James Cortright teaches drums, piano, guitar at the South Florida Conservatory of Music in Hollywood, FL.
James Cortright is a percussionist and multi-instrumentalist who has been teaching drums, piano, and guitar since 2010, working with everyone from elementary beginners to advanced college players.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Grand Valley State University and a two-year certificate in Audio Technology from Northwestern Michigan College. Since 2022 he has been part of the music faculty at Michigan Technological University, teaching percussion in a hybrid format. Earlier teaching positions included Reeths-Puffer High School in Michigan and Carmel High School in Indiana, where both marching bands won state titles and Carmel took a national championship. As a performer, he marched three years with the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps in DCI, finishing top-five in percussion in his final season, and won a world championship with Rhythm X Percussion in WGI. He has since taught with Music City Drum Corps, NorthCoast Academy, and Genesis. His mentors include Jeff Queen, Ryan Kilgore, Jake Harpster, Bill Ryan, and Matt Pivec.
Grounded in classical training but fluent in jazz, folk, Latin, and art rock, James approaches teaching with the attitude of a lifelong student, often weaving in audio technology, theory, and composition. He enjoys working with curious students who want to grow across styles. Book a trial lesson with James to start a path that fits how you actually want to play.
Trial lessons are paid, one-on-one sessions — Special trial price from $40.