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
Sight Reading
Piano Repertoire
Pedaling Techniques
Rhythm and Timing
Finger Placement & Hand Position
Scales and Arpeggios
Ear training
Types of learners for piano lessons
Piano for Adults
Piano for Kids
Piano for Beginners
Piano for Intermediate
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
Grand Piano
Digital Piano
Upright Piano
Classical Piano
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15 days Refund
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Free Tutor Swap
Piano concepts taught by Otha
The tutor and student reviewed identifying key signatures and chord inversions, practicing these concepts with musical examples. They then moved on to analyzing and refining specific passages in a piano piece, focusing on rhythmic accuracy and efficient fingering. The student will continue working on these musical exercises.
Identifying Key Signatures
Chord Inversions
Rhythmic Subdivision and Counting
Efficient Fingering and Hand Position
The tutor and student worked on advanced piano technique, focusing on complex passages within a musical piece. They addressed specific fingerings, hand positions, and the use of authoritative musical scores, introducing the IMSLP website as a resource. The student was also advised to review fundamentals on time signatures and rhythm for the next session.
Separating Hands for Independent Voicing
Albert Bass Technique
Edition Creep and Score Authenticity
Hand Shape and Finger Curving
Playing "Inside" the Keys
The Tutor and Student reviewed music theory concepts including minor scales, relative keys, modes, leading tones, and key signatures. They practiced identifying these elements and worked through an exercise based on the circle of fifths and chord progressions. The session concluded with a review of the student's piano piece and practice exercises.
Relative Minor Keys
The Leading Tone and Melodic Minor
Circle of Fifths and Key Signatures
Musical Dissonance and Resolution
Piano Technique: Slurs and Tone Matching
Music History: Periods and Composers
Musical Expression: Dynamics and Articulation
Musical Form: Binary Form
The Student and Tutor analyzed Czerny's Opus 299 No. 2, focusing on identifying the climax and adding expressive interpretation. The student practiced phrasing and differentiating between melody and embellishments. Homework includes practicing the first five measures of the Czerny piece and focusing on the gesture for the grace notes for the Rondo Al Turca.
Simulating Single Bow Strokes in Piano
Cherney Etudes: Floral Extensions and Caned Melodies
Accents: Delicate and Unexpected
Elisions and False Climaxes in Music
Wrist and Finger Technique for Grace Notes
The Tutor and Student worked on piano technique, focusing on musical dynamics, articulation, and precise hand/wrist positioning for playing arpeggios. They introduced a new Minuet piece and discussed its relation to a previously learned composition, with plans to practice both.
Hand Position and Technique
Musical Dynamics
Tempo and Moderato
Articulation and Phrasing
Arpeggios and Chords
Approach & tools used in piano classes
Chord & Scale Reference Apps
Ear Training Software
Virtual Piano Apps
Metronome Apps
PDF Sheet Music Libraries
Interactive piano lessons
Weekend lessons
Open Q&A
Parent feedback
Note taking
Record lessons
Piano teachers on Wiingy are vetted for quality
Every tutor is interviewed and selected for subject expertise and teaching skill.