Otha Lewis
Discover classical piano through personalized lessons that emphasize musical nuance and sound technique.
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Otha Lewis
Diploma degree
Enroll after the free trial
Each lesson is 55 min
50 lessons
20% off
/ lesson
30 lessons
15% off
/ lesson
20 lessons
10% off
/ lesson
10 lessons
5% off
/ lesson
5 lessons
-
/ lesson
1 lessons
-
/ lesson
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
Sight Reading
Music theory
Piano Technique
Performance Skills
Chord Theory
Ear training
Pedaling Techniques
Types of learners for piano lessons
Piano for Advanced
Piano for Kids
Piano for Beginners
Piano for Intermediate
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 session covered musical ornamentation (grace notes and trills) and improvisation techniques within Baroque and Classical music. The Student worked on specific fingering and phrasing in pieces like Opus 139, number 7, to improve technique and musicality. The follow-up includes practicing scales and the discussed piece, with a plan to further discuss phrasing next session.
Sixths Interval Fingerings and Phrasing
Scales: A♭ Major (G♯ Major)
Improvising Ornaments: Trills and Mordents
Baroque vs. Classical Grace Notes
The Student and Tutor reviewed music theory concepts including key signatures, scales, triads, and parallel minors. The Student began working on a new piano piece in D flat major, focusing on left-hand technique. The assigned homework includes completing exercises in the workbook, continuing work on Opus 802, and practicing the left hand of the new piece.
Tonic and Dominant Function
Parallel Minor Scales
G♭ Major Scale: Fingerings and Characteristics
Motives and Musical Analysis
Triad Formation from Scales
Scale Construction: Whole and Half Steps
Five-Finger Patterns and Scale Degrees
The Tutor guided the student in improving their piano technique, focusing on dynamics and efficient practice methods. The student practiced playing with rested fingers to achieve softer dynamics and worked on breaking down musical passages into smaller, theoretical components for better understanding and memorization. The Student was assigned to practice these techniques on selected pieces, with ornaments scheduled for the next lesson.
Nuance in Piano Dynamics
Developing Layers of Sound
Recursive Practice and Self-Interrogation
Efficient Scale Practice
Deconstructing Musical Passages
Chordal and Sequence Understanding
Targeted Practice
The session addressed the Student's piano technique focusing on hand position and finger movement, particularly in Czerny's Opus 802 and Bach's Minuet in G Major. The Student worked on achieving a lighter touch and more controlled sound by adjusting their hand and wrist posture. The Student was assigned to practice Czerny's Opus 802 additively, focusing on building fluency, and to apply the discussed hand position techniques to both pieces.
Additive Practice
Pattern Recognition & Execution
Hand and Finger Technique
Anchor Points
Parallel and Contrary Motion Awareness
The student and tutor reviewed Bach's Minuet in G Major, focusing on hand separation exercises and fingering techniques to improve fluency. The student also practiced identifying parallel and contrary motion within the piece. Homework includes practicing Opus 802 number six and focusing on the Minuet, with an emphasis on applying the discussed techniques.
Separating Hands for Practice
Fingering Techniques: Closing Hand Position
Identifying Parallel and Contrary Motion
Understanding Multiple Voices
Finger Pedaling
The student reviewed Bach minuets, focusing on fingering, rhythm, and ornamentation. The tutor provided guidance on specific passages and introduced mnemonic devices to aid in rhythmic accuracy. Homework involves practicing the minuets with the suggested techniques, focusing on consistent rhythm and stylistic ornamentation.
Baroque Ornamentation: Grace Notes
Hand Position and Finger Independence
Utilizing Food Syllables for Rhythmic Accuracy
Understanding Time Signatures: 3/4 Time
Baroque Ornamentation: Mortants and Trills
Fingering Optimization
Improved Sense of Time and Rhythm
Approach & tools used in piano classes
PDF Sheet Music Libraries
Virtual Piano Apps
Chord & Scale Reference Apps
Metronome Apps
Ear Training Software
Interactive piano lessons
Chat for quick help
Open Q&A
Parent feedback
Record lessons
Note taking
Piano teachers on Wiingy are vetted for quality
Every tutor is interviewed and selected for subject expertise and teaching skill.
