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
Ear training
Chord Theory
Finger Placement & Hand Position
Rhythm and Timing
Sight Reading
Piano Repertoire
Pedaling Techniques
CoTutorAI modules
Summary
Podcast
Quiz
Learnings
Flashcard
Spotlight
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15-days refund
Free tutor swap
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1-yr validity
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Types of learners for piano lessons
Piano for Kids
Piano for Advanced
Piano for Beginners
Piano for Adults
Piano for Intermediate
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 musical intervals, specifically focusing on identifying and describing sixths, sevenths, and octaves by relating them to known intervals like the fifth. They then transitioned to a new approach for understanding complex rhythms and multi-voice notation, emphasizing rhythmic relationships and subdivisions rather than strict note values. The student is to continue practicing these concepts independently.
Practicing Polyphonic Music
Rhythmic Subdivision and Perception
Interval Identification
The class reviewed musical cadences, including authentic, plagal, and half cadences, and explored key signature identification with a focus on minor keys. The student practiced identifying chords and understanding voice leading principles, with assignments focusing on workbook exercises and chord identification.
The Dominant Seventh Chord (V⁷)
Voice Leading and Smooth Transitions
Key Signatures and Scales
Cadences in Music
The student and tutor worked on improving rhythmic accuracy and counting within a musical piece. They practiced clapping rhythms, understanding pickup measures, and integrating subdivisions with a metronome. The tutor assigned the student to review unit two of their workbook for the next session.
Understanding Tempo and Subdivision
The Anacrusis (Pickup Measure)
Rhythmic Notation: Dotted Quarter Notes and Ties
Sixteenth Notes and Advanced Subdivision
The tutor and student worked on piano technique, focusing on improving hand and wrist posture for complex passages in Chopin and Czerny. They discussed fingering, phrasing, and the interpretation of musical editions, with the student assigned to practice Czerny exercises and explore Chopin's preludes.
The 'Choir Master' Left Hand and Expressive Right Hand
Childlike Excitement and Idealistic Character in Music
Understanding Musical Articulation: Ties vs. Slurs
Dynamic Interpretation: The Role of Forte and Piano
Efficient Piano Technique: Minimizing Wrist Strain
The Student and Tutor worked on piano technique, focusing on exercises from Opus 802 and Opus 139. They practiced rhythmic precision using a metronome and refined hand and wrist movements for better articulation and control. The plan for the upcoming weeks involves consistent practice of these exercises with the metronome and working towards completing sections of the assigned material.
The Power of Repetition in Practice
Metronome Usage for Precision
Developing Hand and Wrist Technique
Understanding Musical Terms and Structure
The Tutor and Student explored the concept of "movement" in music, focusing on how articulation and meter interpretation influence a piece's feel. They analyzed musical examples to understand how perceived meter can create different expressive qualities and discussed the importance of proper musical declamation. The session concluded with practice on simulating expressive techniques like vocal legato on the piano, with plans for continued practice and analysis.
Linguistic Analogy in Music
Musical Movement and Articulation
Meter and Rhythmic Interpretation
Tempo
Articulation
and Musical Character
Approach & tools used in piano classes
Ear Training Software
Chord & Scale Reference Apps
PDF Sheet Music Libraries
Metronome Apps
Virtual Piano Apps
Interactive piano lessons
Note taking
Open Q&A
Chat for quick help
Record lessons
Parent feedback
Piano teachers on Wiingy are vetted for quality
Every tutor is interviewed and selected for subject expertise and teaching skill.