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
Piano Technique
Rhythm and Timing
Performance Skills
Sight Reading
Finger Placement & Hand Position
Music theory
Piano Repertoire
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Types of learners for piano lessons
Piano for kids
Piano for intermediate
Piano for beginners
Piano for advanced
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 reviewed piano exercises from Opus 802 and Opus 599, focusing on sight-reading, pattern recognition, and proper technique, including wrist and hand positioning. They began working on new material from Opus 599, number 19, and Opus 500, emphasizing the importance of careful reading and practicing challenging passages. The student was also reminded to listen to a provided playlist to develop their ear for musical phrasing.
Phrase Structure in Music
Wrist and Elbow Movement for Hand Position
Deceptive Positions and Fingerings
Extraneous Motion and Efficient Playing
The Student and Tutor reviewed piano exercises, focusing on accidentals, transposition, advanced hand and wrist techniques, and correcting specific fingerings in provided musical pieces. They practiced applying concepts like contrary motion to improve difficult transitions and prepare for future repertoire.
Accidentals: Sharps
Flats
and Naturals
Transposition and Key Practice
Hand and Wrist Technique for Dexterity
Navigating Complex Passages with Fingering and Counting
The tutor and student worked on piano technique, focusing on scale practice, specific repertoire like Opus 802, and detailed analysis of Chopin's Prelude Op. 28 No. 19. The student received instruction on ergonomic hand movements, octave playing, and effective practice strategies, with assigned practice on the B section of the Prelude and octave technique.
Holistic Approach to Music Practice
Reading Music with Attention to Detail
Hand and Wrist Technique for Octaves
Practicing with Repetitions
Quadratic Learning Curve
The tutor and student explored advanced piano techniques, focusing on the application of natural, harmonic, and melodic minor scales within complex musical passages. They practiced scale exercises and discussed expressive performance techniques, with the student advised to record themselves to refine timing and fingering.
Understanding Minor Scales: Natural
Harmonic
and Melodic
Fingering Strategies for Complex Passages
The Use of Pedal in Piano Performance
Interpreting Musical Intent: Composer vs. Performer
The tutor and student worked on developing piano technique, focusing on finger independence, hand flexibility, and controlled speed through exercises and pieces from Opus 802 and Opus 599. They discussed the importance of proper technique and slow practice, and planned to continue with more advanced material.
Wrist Engagement in Piano Technique
Playing at a Slower Tempo
Staccatissimo and Articulation
Metronome Precision
Reading Music and Sight-Reading
The student and tutor worked on piano technique, practicing scales and arpeggios derived from chord tones to build muscle memory and improve fingering. They then analyzed specific measures from Opus 139, focusing on strategic fingering choices for descending passages and hand positioning.
Scale Construction from Chords
Harmonic Function and Finger Placement
Accidentals and Measure Consistency
Clef Usage and Hand Assignment
Flexible Fingering for Optimal Execution
Approach & tools used in piano classes
Chord & Scale Reference Apps
Ear Training Software
Metronome Apps
PDF Sheet Music Libraries
Virtual Piano Apps
Interactive piano lessons
Parent feedback
Open Q&A
Chat for quick help
Weekend lessons
Note taking
Piano teachers on Wiingy are vetted for quality
Every tutor is interviewed and selected for subject expertise and teaching skill.