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

Music theory icon

Music theory

Piano Technique icon

Piano Technique

Ear training icon

Ear training

Pedaling Techniques icon

Pedaling Techniques

Performance Skills icon

Performance Skills

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Rhythm and Timing

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Types of learners for piano lessons

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Piano for advanced

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Piano for beginners

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Piano for adults

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Piano for intermediate

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Piano for kids

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 1 day 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 1 day 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 2 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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Student learned 3 days ago

Student and Tutor continued their piano lesson, reviewing right-hand scale variations and then introducing two-hand C scales, which the Student quickly grasped. They also worked on specific measures of piece 139, focusing on hand position preparation and left-hand fingering. For homework, the Student was assigned to practice these scales and piece sections, and was given a book of Christmas music to explore for the next session.

Applying Fingering to Piece 139 (Measures 28-31)

Standardized Piano Note Naming (C₁

C₂

C₃

C₄

etc.)

Two-Handed C Scale Introduction & Coordination

Left-Hand Fingering Principles

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Student learned 3 days ago

The Student and Tutor reviewed music theory homework on rests and spelling, then introduced Unit 5, focusing on melodic and harmonic intervals, including an advanced discussion on major and minor intervals. The Student practiced identifying and drawing seconds on the piano staff. Homework was assigned for further interval practice and the Student worked on a piano piece, Charnney, applying concepts of parallel and contrary motion.

Naming Intervals by Number

Parallel and Contrary Motion in Piano Playing

Identifying & Drawing Intervals (2nds

3rds

4ths

5ths)

Intervals: Melodic vs. Harmonic

Musical Rests and Their Values

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Student learned 4 days ago

The Student and Tutor continued their piano lesson, focusing on foundational music theory and practical application. They reviewed bar lines and measures, then delved into rhythmic values by learning about whole, half, and quarter notes, practicing their durations using vocalization and clapping. The Student then applied these rhythmic and notational concepts to playing a piece with both hands, gradually integrating patterns and rhythm. Homework included repetitive practice of a section and identifying parallel and contrary motion in the score for the next session.

Music Notation Fundamentals: Measures & Bar Lines

Decoding Rhythm: Whole & Half Notes

Two-Hand Coordination: Parallel & Contrary Motion

Integrating Rhythm & Motion: Practicing with Repeat Signs

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Approach & tools used in piano classes

Chord & Scale Reference Apps image

Chord & Scale Reference Apps

PDF Sheet Music Libraries image

PDF Sheet Music Libraries

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Metronome Apps

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Virtual Piano Apps

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Ear Training Software

Interactive piano lessons

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Record lessons

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Parent feedback

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Chat for quick help

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Note taking

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Open Q&A

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