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
Performance Skills
Scales and Arpeggios
Ear training
Music theory
Pedaling Techniques
Chord Theory
Sight Reading
Types of learners for piano lessons
Piano for Intermediate
Piano for Advanced
Piano for Beginners
Piano for Adults
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
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 rhythmic notation, metronome usage for tempo and accuracy, and the subdivision of beats with eighth notes. They practiced clapping exercises and discussed interpreting time signatures, with plans to continue with piano pieces and clap exercises in the next session.
Time Signatures Explained
Eighth Notes and Subdivisions
Rhythm Counting and Articulation
Metronome Fundamentals
The student and tutor worked on piano technique, focusing on improving jumps, chord transitions, and overall expressive playing in musical passages. They applied the concept of a plot pyramid to analyze musical structure and then practiced specific exercises to refine articulation, tone, and dynamic control in challenging sections, with the goal of confident execution.
Horizontal vs. Vertical Movement in Piano Technique
Wrist and Hand Position for Leverage
The Plot Pyramid in Musical Structure
Tamber and Character in Piano Sound
The session covered music theory, focusing on the emotional context of key signatures, modulation techniques using the circle of fifths, and the application of figured bass for chord analysis. The student practiced applying these concepts to a musical piece, working on phrasing, articulation, and achieving a smooth legato sound. Future practice will involve continuing with the current piece and exploring new theoretical units.
Figured Bass and Roman Numeral Analysis
Musical Phrasing and Expression
Harmonic Progression and Related Keys
Legato and Articulation on the Piano
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.
Efficient Fingering and Hand Position
Rhythmic Subdivision and Counting
Chord Inversions
Identifying Key Signatures
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
Approach & tools used in piano classes
Metronome Apps
PDF Sheet Music Libraries
Chord & Scale Reference Apps
Ear Training Software
Virtual Piano Apps
Interactive piano lessons
Note taking
Record lessons
Chat for quick help
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.