Otha Lewis
Discover classical piano through personalized lessons that emphasize musical nuance and sound technique.
Show all photos
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
Scales and Arpeggios
Music theory
Rhythm and Timing
Chord Theory
Piano Technique
Sight Reading
Ear training
CoTutorAI 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 advanced
Piano for adults
Piano for kids
Piano for intermediate
Piano for beginners
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 Student and Tutor continued piano practice, reviewing a learned piece and working on new exercises involving parallel motion with both hands. They focused on active note reading, correct fingerings, and a structured practice method for new material. As homework, the Student was tasked with writing down note names for a new piece in the 599 book.
Strategic Piano Progression
Developing Two-Hand Parallel Motion
The Importance of Active Note Reading
Differentiating Fingering from Note Names
Identifying Notes with the G-Clef
Introduction to Ledger Lines & Low G Position
Student and Tutor engaged in a detailed piano lesson, reviewing multiple etudes and technical exercises. They focused on refining finger control, wrist motion, tempo, articulation, and balancing voices across different pieces. The session also included discussions on managing physical discomfort during practice and exploring new music for broader skill development.
Hand Balance and Voicing in Melodic Context
Effective Practice Techniques for Piano Studies
Nuanced Articulation & Dynamics in Triple Meter (3/4 Time)
Intrinsic Hand Muscle Control & Finger Independence
Voicing in Polyphonic Textures
The Student and Tutor focused on practicing a piano piece, specifically addressing challenging sections involving parallel and opposite motion, note identification, and proper fingering. The Student practiced overcoming hesitation in difficult measures through slow, repeated exercises. For follow-up, the Student was encouraged to continue practicing these specific sections and mark their score for clarity, in preparation for moving on to a new piece next week.
Proper Fingering & Hand Posture
Targeted Practice Strategies
Understanding Musical Motion: Parallel & Opposite
Interval Recognition: Steps & Skips
Marking the Score for Clarity
Student and Tutor reviewed several piano pieces, including Opus 802 numbers 5 and 6, Opus 599 number 19, and Opus 20 focusing on Alberti bass. They also introduced a new piece from Opus 500 centered on playing sixths. The Student was advised to practice difficult sections separately and reinforce hand independence for homework.
Mastering Mobile Alberti Bass (Opus 20)
Hand Independence Through Disjointed Fingerings (Opus 500 Old Piece)
The Sixth Interval Hand Shape (Opus 500 New Piece)
Prioritizing Notes Over Fingerings
Structural Grouping in Reading
Controlled Tempo & Musicality
The Student and Tutor reviewed the Student's progress on piano pieces T99 numbers 6 and 7, focusing on technique and musicality. They then extensively analyzed rhythmic precision, tempo interpretation, and the character of the second movement of Beethoven's Pathétique Sonata. The Tutor assigned the homework of refining current pieces, practicing the Pathétique movement at different tempos, and exploring Czerny exercises for sight-reading.
Refined Hand Technique & Metronome Practice
Precise Ornamentation Timing
Artistic Tempo & Expressive Interpretation
Developing Thematic Sight-Reading Skills
Addressing Sectional Cohesion & Difficult Fingerings
Mastering Complex Rhythms: Pathetique II Metronome & Counting
Student and Tutor addressed challenges in piano technique, specifically focusing on octave changes, crossover movements for scales, and efficient playing of repeated notes across various pieces. They practiced specific fingerings and wrist flexibility exercises, discussing rhythmic accuracy and metronome use for practice. The Student was assigned to continue working on measures 1-8 of Opus 299/500, Opus 802 #9, and Opus 599 #17 for homework.
Crossover Technique: Descending Scales (Opus 802)
Crossover Technique: Ascending Scales (Opus 802)
Interpreting Octave Signs (8va) in Sheet Music
Developing Wrist Freedom for Repeated Notes (Opus 802
No. 9)
Mastering Rhythmic Accuracy with Metronome and Subdivisions (Opus 599
No. 16)
Approach & tools used in piano classes
Chord & Scale Reference Apps
PDF Sheet Music Libraries
Metronome Apps
Ear Training Software
Virtual Piano Apps
Interactive piano lessons
Weekend lessons
Open Q&A
Parent feedback
Record lessons
Chat for quick help
Piano teachers on Wiingy are vetted for quality
Every tutor is interviewed and selected for subject expertise and teaching skill.