Otha Lewis
Discover classical piano through personalized lessons that emphasize musical nuance and sound technique.
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Otha Lewis
Diploma degree
/ 55 min
Otha - Your piano teacher
My name is Otha Lewis, an American piano teacher of 7 years teaching students in both in personal and remote capacities. I hold an Associate's Degree in Piano Performance, soon graduating with a Bachelor's from California State University - Northridge. My approach to teaching ensures that students are an active participant in their learning not just at home in the practice room or executing the performance of a piece, but understanding and critically thinking about their intent, musicality, and process. I have learned that progress happens best when a student of any level has a well-rounded understanding of multiple musical facets: history, theory, ear training, rote, technique, creativity. Every student requires a unique approach, simultaneously tuned to their strengths and improving their weaknesses. Come join me in exploring the world of music! Let's grow together as musicians!
Otha graduated from Fresno City College
Your piano teacher skills
Performance Skills
Scales and Arpeggios
Sight Reading
Ear training
Piano Technique
Music theory
Rhythm and Timing
CoTutorAI modules
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Podcast
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Learnings
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Types of learners for piano lessons
Piano for Intermediate
Piano for Kids
Piano for Advanced
Piano for Beginners
Piano for Adults
Piano lessons at a glance
Anyone can read a method book and attempt to apply it. I did so for 17 years before I ever sat in front of a piano teacher, internalizing the good and the bad that comes without a guide or professional direction. Of the good comes my approach to teaching, relating back to the steps I took to learn by repetition and rote, and further developing upon such a foundation with the invaluable information and practice I continue to received in my college education. Not only must a student graduate from levels of piano playing through any number of methods to evaluate progress, they must do so with a thorough comfort in multiple levels of execution. Here, I separate my approach from other teachers, favoring constructive methods of the 19th century to supplement the modern pedagogical practice. My curriculum has served over 50 students, tailored to suit students of all levels and ages, and aims to remain as open as a possible to develop supplementary material as needed, composing exercises for a specific need if warranted.
Different types of piano lessons
Piano
Grand Piano
Digital Piano
Upright Piano
Classical Piano
Piano concepts taught by Otha
The tutor and student worked on applying dynamic nuances and articulation techniques to specific piano pieces, focusing on achieving precise tonal qualities. They discussed fingering strategies for complex passages and explored the concept of rubato in performance practice, with plans to continue applying these concepts to assigned pieces.
Rubato and Rhythmic Freedom
Musical Emphasis and Articulation
Dynamic Contrast and Phrasing in Chopin
Fingering Techniques and Gestures
The student and tutor worked through introductory exercises from Opus 802, focusing on warm-up techniques and the 'baton pass' for developing finger independence. They also reviewed specific measures in another piece (636), which involved correcting note reading and practicing ledger line recognition, with the student assigned to transcribe notes for theory practice.
Opus 802: Essential Warm-up Exercises
The Baton Pass Technique
Note Duration and Rhythmic Subdivisions
Pattern Recognition in Musical Passages
Articulation: Staccato and Legato
The tutor and student reviewed exercises from Czerny's Opus 802 and Opus 599, focusing on musical sequences, fingering techniques, and chord structures. They practiced applying these concepts to new pieces, including a minuet, to develop playing control and endurance. The student will continue practicing these exercises and the new minuet.
Sequences in Music
Steps and Skips in Melodies
Hand and Finger Positioning for Chords
Musical Form: A and B Sections
Efficient Fingering for Efficiency
The Tutor and Student reviewed technical exercises from Cherney etudes and introduced new material from Opus 5, focusing on dynamics and articulation. They practiced specific piano techniques for challenging passages, including cadenzas, runs, and octaves, with a focus on ergonomics and relaxed hand positioning. The student was assigned to continue working on Opus 5, exercise 5, and to practice applying learned techniques.
Ergonomic Piano Technique
Articulation and Dynamics: Marcato and Pianissimo
Developing Fluidity in Passages
Octave Technique and Ergonomics
The student and tutor reviewed piano technique, focusing on identifying anchor tones and melodic tones for practice, and exploring hand rotation and positioning for improved fluidity. They discussed practical fingering strategies for complex passages and the importance of practicing hands separately for Baroque music, with a plan to continue developing these skills.
Polyphony and Independent Hand Roles
Anchor Tones and Melodic Tones
Hand Rotation and Shape
Fingering Principles: Practicality and Function
The Tutor and Student explored music theory, focusing on diatonic chords within major scales and differentiating between major and minor intervals using half steps. They then applied these concepts to analyze chord progressions in a musical piece, practicing rhythmic counting and subdivisions in 12/8 time. The tutor suggested a new piece, 'Autumn Sketch,' for the student to practice.
Chords and Scales Relationship
Major vs. Minor Thirds
Diatonic Chords in Major Scales
Rhythmic Notation and Subdivision
Approach & tools used in piano classes
Virtual Piano Apps
PDF Sheet Music Libraries
Chord & Scale Reference Apps
Metronome Apps
Ear Training Software
Interactive piano lessons
Weekend lessons
Parent feedback
Open Q&A
Chat for quick help
Note taking
Piano teachers on Wiingy are vetted for quality
Every tutor is interviewed and selected for subject expertise and teaching skill.