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 Repertoire
Rhythm and Timing
Music theory
Pedaling Techniques
Scales and Arpeggios
Ear training
Piano Technique
AI modules
Summary
Podcast
Quiz
Learnings
Flashcard
Spotlight
Zero Risk Guaranteed
15-days refund
Free tutor swap
No cancel fee
1-yr validity
24/7 support
Types of learners for piano lessons
Piano for intermediate
Piano for advanced
Piano for adults
Piano for beginners
Piano for kids
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 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.
Reading Music and Sight-Reading
Metronome Precision
Staccatissimo and Articulation
Playing at a Slower Tempo
Wrist Engagement in Piano Technique
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.
Harmonic Function and Finger Placement
Scale Construction from Chords
Accidentals and Measure Consistency
Clef Usage and Hand Assignment
Flexible Fingering for Optimal Execution
The student and tutor focused on the detailed interpretation and expressive performance of a piano piece, Opus 365, Number 47. They analyzed tempo markings, dynamic nuances, and phrasing techniques to move beyond robotic playing, with a plan to continue working on new pieces and applying these learned concepts.
Developing Interpretive Intuition
Musical Tempo and Expression Markings
Musical Phrasing and Tension Development
Ornamentation and Melodic Embellishment
Dynamic Nuances and Gradations
The Student and Tutor worked on piano exercises, focusing on reading music, identifying patterns like steps and skips, and practicing specific measures. They planned to continue working on the next page of the score in future sessions and discussed adjusting lesson frequency to 30-minute sessions twice a week.
Parallel vs. Contrary Motion
Reading and Annotating Music
Site Reading Development
Steps and Skips in Music
Approach & tools used in piano classes
PDF Sheet Music Libraries
Metronome Apps
Virtual Piano Apps
Ear Training Software
Chord & Scale Reference Apps
Interactive piano lessons
Note taking
Weekend lessons
Chat for quick help
Parent feedback
Open Q&A

Piano teachers on Wiingy are vetted for quality
Every tutor is interviewed and selected for subject expertise and teaching skill.
