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
Rhythm and Timing
Chord Theory
Finger Placement & Hand Position
Music theory
Piano Repertoire
Piano Technique
Sight Reading
CoTutorAI modules
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Podcast
Quiz
Learnings
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Types of learners for piano lessons
Piano for beginners
Piano for kids
Piano for intermediate
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
Student and Tutor worked on various piano pieces, including exercises from Opus 599 and Opus 802, and Scott Joplin's "Original Rags." They focused on improving phrasing, understanding Alberti bass patterns, simplifying chords using interval theory, and applying specific fingering and pedaling techniques. The Tutor assigned continued practice of the left-hand patterns and the new fingering for the C section of "Original Rags."
Phrasing: Coherent Musical Flow
Alberti Bass Pattern in the Left Hand
Musical Intervals: Practical Application for Hand Span
Ragtime Interpretation: Dynamics and Thematic Development
Strategic Fingering for Complex Passages (C Section)
Pedaling for Phrasing
Tone
and Left-Hand Control
The Student and Tutor worked on advanced piano technique and musical interpretation, focusing on Czerny/Hanon-style exercises and two specific pieces: a Channy composition and a Waltz (Opus 335). They delved into concepts like segmented polyphony, rhythmic accentuation, historical performance practices, and harmonic analysis using secondary functions. The Student was assigned to continue practicing existing pieces with new interpretive approaches and to learn a new D flat major exercise.
Segmented Polyphony & Melodic Layering
Secondary Dominants (V/V) & Modulation
Baroque/Classical Era Performance Style: 'Spoken' Playing
Rhythmic Articulation & Nuanced Pedaling in Waltzes
Strategic Practice & Technical Refinement
Student and Tutor worked on various piano pieces, including Opus 802 (exercises 10-15), Opus 158, Opus 500, Opus 299 No. 1, and Opus 599 (exercises 22-23). They focused on improving fingering accuracy, chord transitions, hand coordination, and practicing strategies like slow repetition and using the left hand as a metronome. The Student was advised to continue disciplined practice on these pieces and avoid moving ahead prematurely in Opus 158.
Slow & Segmented Practice
Deliberate Practice for Physical Skills
Strategic Breaks for Habit Reset
Rhythmic Foundation with Left Hand
Dynamic Control through Hand Posture
Coordinating Hands in Contrary Motion
The Student and Tutor reviewed basic music theory, including note values, note structure, and the drawing of flags and stems. They also discussed and practiced musical motion concepts such as parallel and contrary motion, as well as recognizing step and skip patterns while playing Number 1 from Opus 599 on the piano. For homework, the Student was assigned to complete Unit 3 of their theory book and continue practicing Opus 599, Number 1.
Note Values and Their Durations
Anatomy of a Musical Note
Understanding Dotted Notes
Analyzing Hand Motion in Piano Playing
The Note Value Factoring Tree
Student and Tutor worked on Piano Piece #5, focusing on new right-hand movements, fingerings, and hand position shifts. They practiced specific techniques for transitions, including wrist pivoting and coordinated note releases. The Student was assigned to identify notes for the second part of Piece #5 and practice Piece #5 (right hand) and Opus 802, Number 3.
Adapting to Shifting Five-Finger Positions
The Critical Role of Fingerings
Moving Beyond the Five-Finger Position
Dynamic Hand & Wrist Movement
Sequential Finger Release for Smooth Transitions
The Student and Tutor engaged in a piano lesson, reviewing Opus 802, number 2, where they practiced identifying musical patterns, improved chord-playing technique, and reinforced note reading skills by identifying specific intervals. For follow-up, the Student was assigned to practice Opus 802, number 3 independently and complete a note-naming exercise for Opus 599, number 5, submitting a photo of their work.
Structured Practice & Progress Tracking
Simplifying Complex Musical Patterns
Clean Chord Playing Technique
Note Reading Strategy: G Line (Treble Clef)
Balancing Fingering & Note Naming
Approach & tools used in piano classes
Metronome Apps
Ear Training Software
Virtual Piano Apps
Chord & Scale Reference Apps
PDF Sheet Music Libraries
Interactive piano lessons
Open Q&A
Parent feedback
Chat for quick help
Weekend lessons
Record lessons
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