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
Performance Skills
Chord Theory
Sight Reading
Rhythm and Timing
Ear training
Scales and Arpeggios
CoTutorAI modules
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Types of learners for piano lessons
Piano for beginners
Piano for adults
Piano for advanced
Piano for kids
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
Student and Tutor engaged in a piano lesson, focusing on technical exercises from Opus 802 and Opus 599, as well as a ragtime piece. They practiced left-hand chord internalization, right-hand five-finger position, articulation, and rhythmic precision. The Student was assigned to continue practicing Opus 802 number 10, Opus 599 number 13, and the original ragtime piece, with an emphasis on individual hand practice and then combining them confidently for the B section.
Czerny Op. 599
No. 13: Left Hand Chord Internalization
Original Rags: Right Hand Syncopation & Rhythmic Precision
Original Rags: Left Hand Stride & Sectional Preparation
Czerny Op. 599
No. 13: Right Hand Five-Finger Position
Opus 802 Etudes: Slow Practice & Progression
The session focused on piano technique and repertoire. Student reviewed Czerny Etudes (Op. 365 and Op. 299) and was introduced to a new Czerny study plan focusing on specific opus numbers to develop comprehensive skills, starting with Op. 335, No. 1. They also worked on a Chopin Waltz, focusing on musicality and phrasing, with a plan to record pieces for upcoming exams by late November.
Deliberate Practice for Technical Mastery
Expressive Phrasing and Rubato
Nuance in Tempo and Dynamic Markings
Cultivating Independent Artistic Interpretation
Czerny's Comprehensive Etude System
Voicing and Left-Hand Technique in Etudes
The Student and Tutor worked on various piano pieces, including Opus 802, 299, 21, and introduced a new sonatina, Opus 158. They focused on chord transitions, structured practice methods, sight-reading, dynamic control, and specific fingering techniques, with homework to consolidate learning and practice new approaches. The student was advised not to practice Opus 299 for the next three days.
Deliberate Piano Practice Techniques
Arm Weight and Dynamic Control
Strategic Fingering and Hand Positioning
Musicality: Tone
Tempo
and Interpretation
Student and Tutor worked on an older Chinese piano piece, addressing technical aspects such as fingering, complex rhythms with ties, and fundamental pedaling techniques. They also explored musical phrasing and character. The student was assigned to practice pedaling with Opus 139 and to continue scale exercises.
Rhythmic Precision through Subdivision
Understanding and Executing Ties
Flexible Fingering for Personal Ease
Strategic Pedal Application for Harmony
Exploring Character and Expressive Phrasing
Developing Finger Legato (without Pedal)
The Student and Tutor reviewed fundamental music theory concepts including the staff, lines, spaces, note stems, clefs (treble and bass), grand staff, bar lines, measures, and repeat signs. They then applied these concepts to begin practicing the first piece of Opus 599, focusing on note identification, finger positions, and types of hand motion on the piano. The Student's homework is to complete Unit 2 of their theory book and practice the first eight measures of the piano piece.
Clefs: Treble (G-Clef) and Bass (F-Clef)
Note Anatomy & Notation Elements
Reading Notes by Intervals (Steps & Skips)
Parallel and Contrary Motion
Music Staff Fundamentals
The Student and Tutor reviewed the Student's current piano repertoire and discussed goals for learning a new, larger piece. They focused extensively on Opus 696, No. 11, practicing dynamic control, contrast, and articulation to achieve a more convincing musical interpretation. For follow-up, the Student is to continue practicing Opus 696, No. 11 with the discussed refinements and learn Opus 696, No. 17.
Strategic Practice and Repertoire Management
Dynamic Contrast and Expressive Range
Structuring Musical Narratives: Climax and Resolution
Chord Voicing and Finger Control
Approach & tools used in piano classes
Chord & Scale Reference Apps
Metronome Apps
Ear Training Software
Virtual Piano Apps
PDF Sheet Music Libraries
Interactive piano lessons
Weekend lessons
Parent feedback
Chat for quick help
Record lessons
Open Q&A
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