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

Otha graduated from Fresno City College

Your piano teacher skills

Ear training icon

Ear training

Performance Skills icon

Performance Skills

Sight Reading icon

Sight Reading

Chord Theory icon

Chord Theory

Music theory icon

Music theory

Rhythm and Timing icon

Rhythm and Timing

Piano Technique icon

Piano Technique

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Types of learners for piano lessons

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Piano for Kids

Piano for Intermediate icon

Piano for Intermediate

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Piano for Advanced

Piano for Beginners icon

Piano for Beginners

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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

Piano

Grand Piano

Grand Piano

Digital Piano

Digital Piano

Upright Piano

Upright Piano

Classical Piano

Classical Piano

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Piano concepts taught by Otha

Student learned 1 day ago

Student and Tutor engaged in a piano lesson, reviewing the Student's weekly practice on various exercises including Opus 599, Opus 2, and Opus 239. They focused on refining techniques such as hand gestures, wrist leading, thumb positioning, and building chords incrementally. The Tutor assigned a new piece, Opus 802 number 2, and introduced the '8va' symbol, which indicates playing one octave higher, for the Student to practice.

Reconciling Theory with Intuition

Understanding the 8va (Ottava) Symbol

Precise Left Hand Thumb Placement

Building Chords from the Ground Up (Target Practice)

Wrist-Led Technique for Dynamic Control

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Student learned 1 day ago

Student and Tutor focused on foundational piano techniques, practicing rudiments and introducing concepts of parallel/contrary motion, steps, and skips. They reviewed and corrected note reading in Opus 599, addressed wrist technique, and identified musical sequences. The student was assigned to practice Opus 599 number five and a new piece (number three) to assess readiness for advanced material.

The "Closing Hand" Technique for Smoothness

Recognizing Musical Sequences

Accurate Note Reading & Octave Placement

Tempo Control for Deeper Mastery

Decoding Piano Motion: Steps

Skips

Parallel & Contrary

Foundational Rudiments & Fingerings

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Student learned 4 days ago

The session focused on piano technique and musical interpretation, primarily using pieces from Cherney's Opus 696 and Opus 500. Student and Tutor analyzed dynamics, pedaling, and phrasing in Number 4, and explored glissando techniques and climax identification in Number 5. For homework, the Student was assigned Number 7, encouraged to revisit earlier pieces, and to begin practicing scales from Opus 500, Part 1, for foundational skill development.

Redefining Tempo as Expressive Character

Nuanced Dynamics and Their "Kinds"

“Gardening the Score” – Personal Interpretation

Glissando (Rolling Chords) Techniques

Four-Part Chorale (SATB) Structure

Scales as the Foundation of Piano Mastery

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Student learned 4 days ago

The Student and Tutor reviewed several piano pieces, focusing on technical skills and musical understanding. They practiced a "trilling" technique using specific wrist motion, worked on pattern recognition and wrist rotation for improved sight-reading, and refined chord fingerings for smoother execution. The session concluded with an introduction to a new piece, emphasizing the identification and proper playing of musical intervals like thirds and sixths. The Student was assigned to continue practicing current pieces with repeats and to begin work on the A section of the new interval-focused piece.

Efficient Wrist Rocking for Repeated Notes

Recognizing Musical Patterns and Sequences

Mastering Wrist Rotation for Hand Sides

Introduction to Intervals (Thirds and Sixths)

Optimal Fingering for Chord Smoothness

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Student learned 5 days ago

Student and Tutor worked on Piano pieces from Opus 802, 599, and 239, focusing on improving hand coordination, practicing specific chord shapes and fingerings, and refining overall practice methods. The Tutor provided techniques for tackling challenging sections and discussed a structured approach to daily repetitions. Homework includes continued practice on Opus 802 exercises, applying new chord recognition methods to Opus 599 #10, and practicing the duet piece with chords on half notes.

Triad Chord Recognition & Simplified Fingering

Incremental & Repetitive Practice

Targeted Technical Drills for Hand Coordination

Developing Performance & Musical Character

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Student learned 6 days ago

Student and Tutor engaged in a piano lesson, focusing on technical aspects of a piece called "Gillet," including fingering adjustments, chord identification, and proper pedaling techniques. They also initiated new daily practice routines, starting with C major scales across the keyboard and triad inversion exercises to enhance technical proficiency.

Right-Hand Fingering Simplification (Gillett)

Left-Hand Chord Shapes and Corrections (Gillett)

Expressive Pedaling Technique

Daily C Major Scale Practice: Full Keyboard & Triad Inversions

Scales within a Key Signature (Modal Concept)

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Approach & tools used in piano classes

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Ear Training Software

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Chord & Scale Reference Apps

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PDF Sheet Music Libraries

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Metronome Apps

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Virtual Piano Apps

Interactive piano lessons

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Note taking

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Parent feedback

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Weekend lessons

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Chat for quick help

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Record lessons

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