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

Otha graduated from Fresno City College

Your piano teacher skills

Chord Theory icon

Chord Theory

Pedaling Techniques icon

Pedaling Techniques

Performance Skills icon

Performance Skills

Ear training icon

Ear training

Rhythm and Timing icon

Rhythm and Timing

Piano Repertoire icon

Piano Repertoire

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Music theory

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Learnings

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Types of learners for piano lessons

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Piano for adults

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Piano for beginners

Piano for intermediate icon

Piano for intermediate

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Piano for kids

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Piano for advanced

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

Piano

Grand Piano

Grand Piano

Digital Piano

Digital Piano

Upright Piano

Upright Piano

Classical Piano

Classical Piano

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Piano concepts taught by Otha

Student learned about 2 hours ago

Student and Tutor worked on music theory concepts, specifically focusing on identifying and counting fourth and fifth intervals. They also reviewed accidentals (sharps, flats, and naturals) and discussed the rule governing their application within a measure. Homework was assigned from pages 26-31, covering these topics.

Melodic vs. Harmonic Intervals

Identifying Fourths

Identifying Fifths

Music Intervals: Counting Steps

Accidentals: Sharps

Flats

and Naturals

Accidental Rules within a Measure

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Student learned about 4 hours ago

Student and Tutor continued their work on piano pieces, specifically "365 number 47" and a Chopin Waltz. They concentrated on refining technical aspects such as trills, dynamics, timing, phrasing, and the execution of grace notes and rubato. The Student is assigned to progress to the third section of "365 number 47" and will receive new repertoire suggestions, in addition to reviewing an older piece, for the next session.

Expressive Trills & Dynamic Control

Rhythmic Nuance: Ritenuto vs. Calando

Deconstructing Long Cadenzas

Strategic Pedaling & Rubato in Chopin

Voicing & Legato in Chords

Repertoire Progression & Practice Mindset

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Student learned 2 days ago

The Student and Tutor focused on refining piano technique, specifically wrist motions and economical fingering patterns, within Czerny's exercises. The Student practiced developing tactile awareness of the keyboard through eyes-closed exercises and worked on specific technical challenges in Opus 802 and Opus 599. They discussed upcoming exercises and the Tutor advised the Student to mark recurring issues directly on their score for focused practice.

Effective Score Management & Guided Memorization

Optimizing Fingering for Efficiency

Efficient Practice Strategies

Mastering Wrist Motions for Smoothness

Developing Tactile Keyboard Awareness

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Student learned 5 days ago

The demo piano lesson focused on the Tutor's pedagogical approach, which prioritizes a deep understanding of music theory and technique using 19th-century studies by Carl Czerny. The Student's goals, practice commitment, and initial learning materials (Czerny Opus 599 and 802) were discussed, along with the importance of ergonomics and sheet music editions. Educational follow-up includes acquiring specific Czerny method books and beginning basic note reading.

Core Czerny Opus Studies for Beginners

Cultivating Musical Intuition & Artistry

Critical Role of Editions & Fingerings

Practice Consistency & Ergonomics

Czerny-Based Pedagogy: The European Method

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Student learned 5 days ago

Student and Tutor worked on piano technique and musicality across three pieces: Etude 365, No. 2; Etude 335; and the Waltz (692). They focused on fingering efficiency, wrist movement, legato phrasing, and dynamic control. The Student is tasked with applying specific techniques for each piece and will dedicate more time to the Waltz in the next session.

Seamless Section Transitions (Waltz Op. 69 No. 2)

Developing Legato and Tone Control

Musical Phrasing and Character (Czerny 335)

Momentum and Fluid Wrist Motion

Right-Hand Fingering Efficiency (Czerny 365 No. 2)

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Student learned 6 days ago

The Student and Tutor worked on piano technique and specific pieces, including Opus 802 (exercise 16) and Andantino 158. They focused on hand positions, finger independence, wrist movement, and efficient practice strategies. The Tutor recommended practicing new exercises slowly, one per day, logging progress, and incorporating other repertoire like Opus 599.

Efficient Piano Hand Position & Relaxation

Targeted Hand Motions for Passages

Structured Practice Strategies

Score Navigation & Octave Precision

Cultivating Performance Readiness

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Approach & tools used in piano classes

Chord & Scale Reference Apps image

Chord & Scale Reference Apps

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PDF Sheet Music Libraries

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Metronome Apps

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Ear Training Software

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Virtual Piano Apps

Interactive piano lessons

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Record lessons

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Chat for quick help

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Note taking

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Weekend lessons

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Open Q&A

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