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
Chord Theory
Piano Repertoire
Pedaling Techniques
Piano Technique
Rhythm and Timing
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 beginners
Piano for kids
Piano for advanced
Piano for adults
Piano for intermediate
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 worked extensively on advanced C scale patterns, focusing on precise fingering and articulation. They then transitioned to a specific musical piece, where the tutor provided feedback on challenging passages, fingering, tempo, and touch, with plans to continue refining the student's performance in these areas.
Interpreting Tempo Markings in Modern Piano Music
Mastering Piano Jumps and Hand Rotations
Deciphering and Executing Descending Piano Passages
Navigating Complex Piano Fingerings
Articulation and Tone in Piano Playing
The Tutor and Student worked on developing technical piano skills, focusing on Czerny exercises and metronome application. They discussed strategies for managing hand tension, improving fingering accuracy, and understanding rhythmic subdivisions. The next steps involve continued metronomic practice and focusing on specific technical challenges within the assigned pieces.
Articulation and Musical Expression
Progressive Practice Strategies
Fingering and Hand Independence
Metronome Tempo Interpretation
The student and tutor discussed the importance of different musical editions and their impact on performance. They then analyzed challenging tempo markings and explored advanced rhythmic concepts, including polyrhythms and the application of Whole Beat Metronome Practice for complex subdivisions. The student was tasked with practicing these concepts with a metronome.
The Importance of Musical Editions
Tempo Interpretation and Metronome Practice
Articulations and Voicing: The 'Leggiero' and 'Marcato' Distinction
Rhythmic Complexity and Metric Interpretation
The tutor and student reviewed piano exercises from Opus 802 and Opus 599, focusing on sight-reading, pattern recognition, and proper technique, including wrist and hand positioning. They began working on new material from Opus 599, number 19, and Opus 500, emphasizing the importance of careful reading and practicing challenging passages. The student was also reminded to listen to a provided playlist to develop their ear for musical phrasing.
Extraneous Motion and Efficient Playing
Phrase Structure in Music
Wrist and Elbow Movement for Hand Position
Deceptive Positions and Fingerings
The Student and Tutor reviewed piano exercises, focusing on accidentals, transposition, advanced hand and wrist techniques, and correcting specific fingerings in provided musical pieces. They practiced applying concepts like contrary motion to improve difficult transitions and prepare for future repertoire.
Accidentals: Sharps
Flats
and Naturals
Transposition and Key Practice
Hand and Wrist Technique for Dexterity
Navigating Complex Passages with Fingering and Counting
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
Approach & tools used in piano classes
PDF Sheet Music Libraries
Virtual Piano Apps
Chord & Scale Reference Apps
Metronome Apps
Ear Training Software
Interactive piano lessons
Record lessons
Chat for quick help
Parent feedback
Weekend lessons
Open Q&A
Piano teachers on Wiingy are vetted for quality
Every tutor is interviewed and selected for subject expertise and teaching skill.