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
Pedaling Techniques
Scales and Arpeggios
Piano Technique
Finger Placement & Hand Position
Sight Reading
Piano Repertoire
Rhythm and Timing
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Types of learners for piano lessons
Piano for intermediate
Piano for beginners
Piano for adults
Piano for advanced
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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 reviewed the Student's recent piano practice, confirming completion of a Beethoven sonata and discussing a new interest in Bach's Prelude and Fugue No. 17. The Tutor assessed the difficulty of the new piece and suggested incorporating Bach inventions, while the Student also updated on their progress with Czerny Op. 299, which they began working on during the session.
Bach's Inventions as Foundational Studies
Czerny 299: Mastering Piano Technique
Strategic Repertoire Selection and Progression
Bach's Praeludium and Fugue No. 17 (Book 1)
Unpacking Fugue Structure and Polyphony
Student and Tutor reviewed several piano pieces, focusing on refining fingering techniques in Opus 777 and Opus 599, improving dynamic control in Opus 802, and addressing specific technical challenges in a new piece from Opus 500. The session also introduced a new rhythmic study in Opus 599 and clarified the roles of parts in Opus 239 duets. For homework, the Student will continue practicing assigned pieces, work on Opus 802 #6 (triplets), Opus 500, Opus 599 #13, and Opus 239 #3 and #4.
Efficient Piano Fingering
Bass Clef Reading Reinforcement
Interval and Pattern Recognition
Unified Chord Execution
Intuitive Rhythm & Triplet Grouping
Progressive Piano Study Structure
Student and Tutor reviewed the "Autumn's Sketch" piece, focusing on specific fingering in challenging measures and analyzing melodic structure through stem direction. They practiced rhythm, tempo control, and precise pedal usage. The session concluded with a discussion of the Student's learning preferences for familiar pieces, and the Tutor suggested adding scale practice to the Student's routine, with the Student planning to send their "Secret Garden" piece for future study.
Composer's Technique: Overlaying Melodies
Effective Piano Pedal and Finger Release Technique
Importance of Slow and Consistent Tempo Practice
Diminished Seventh and Minor Chords
Understanding Stem Direction and Musical Voices
Optimized Fingering for Complex Passages
Personalized Learning Path & Foundational Scale Practice
The Student and Tutor initiated work on Czerny Opus 500 Part 1, focusing on C major scales, modes, turning sequences, and chromatic scale fingerings. They extensively discussed performance practice for Chopin's Waltz in C# Minor, particularly the execution of grace notes and maintaining strict tempo, referencing historical treatises. The Student was assigned to practice C major variations and explore the suggested grace note and tempo interpretations in the Chopin piece.
Developing a Versatile Interpretive Toolbox
Tempo & Interpretation in Romantic Music (Chopin Waltz)
Appoggiaturas and Historical Performance Practice
Chromatic Scale Fingering Techniques
Major Scale Fingering & Modes (Czerny Opus 500 Part 1)
The session focused on piano technique and music theory, with the Student practicing identifying musical patterns using steps and skips. The Student worked on deconstructing complex pieces into simpler melodic lines for easier practice and began coordinating both hands for a new pattern. The Tutor assigned daily practice of the patterns and asked the Student to choose a fun song for future study.
Understanding Steps and Skips in Music
Identifying Core Melodies within Repeating Patterns
Developing Two-Hand Coordination at the Piano
Constructing Melodies through Directional Skips
Student and Tutor continued their piano lesson, reviewing exercises from Opus 802, Opus 599, and Opus 500. They focused on enhancing technique for hand independence and chord changes using structured practice methods like block chords and consistent slow tempos. The Tutor praised the Student's marked improvement in technique on a challenging exercise, and new assignments included Opus 802 number 5, Opus 500 exercise 4, and supplemental practice from Opus 777.
Leveraging External Resources for Skill Enhancement
Technique Refinement & Sound Quality (Opus 500)
Developing Hand Independence & Finger Control
Strategic Exercise Progression (Opus 802 & 599)
Foundational Piano Technique & Practice Strategies
Approach & tools used in piano classes
Chord & Scale Reference Apps
Metronome Apps
PDF Sheet Music Libraries
Ear Training Software
Virtual Piano Apps
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