Otha Lewis
Discover classical piano through personalized lessons that emphasize musical nuance and sound technique.
Private lessons - Otha Lewis
Diploma degree
$36
$33
/ hour
About 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
Piano lessons overview
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.
Trusted piano teacher for real results
88% students feel more skilled, confident, and ready to perform
Rated 49/5 by parents for piano classes
Families love the balance between structure and creativity in each lesson
Step-by-step piano lessons structure
Lessons break down complex pieces into manageable parts
Your piano teacher specialities
Piano Technique
Pedaling Techniques
Piano Repertoire
Finger Placement & Hand Position
Scales and Arpeggios
Music theory
Sight Reading
To protect your payment, never transfer money or communicate outside the Wiingy website or app.
Piano concept taught by Otha
Mr. Lewis taught James about music theory, covering tonality, key signatures, the circle of fifths, triads, chord qualities, and inversions. James practiced identifying these concepts on the piano. Mr. Lewis assigned exercises from a book on chord progressions and voice leading and offered to analyze James's song to further apply the theory.
Transposition
Key Signatures
Chord Inversions
Triads
Mr. Lewis and Dylan Xiao had a piano lesson focusing on technique, theory, and musicality, using Czerny exercises and a William Gillock piece. Dylan worked on finger independence, recognizing musical patterns, and phrasing. Homework includes practicing assigned pieces and exercises, and Mr. Lewis will provide a link to purchase the Gillock book.
Note Durations
Treble and Bass Clef
Steps vs. Skips
Contrary and Parallel Motion
Mr. Lewis taught Hogan Shrum about key signatures, major scales (C and F), and introduced a new piece, "Sailboats," to practice left-hand crossover techniques. Hogan will practice Opus 802 and scales, and acquire the Gillock book. Mr. Lewis will send a worksheet with F and C major scales and fingerings.
Thumb Crossing
F Major Scale
Major Scales
Key Signatures
In this piano lesson, Mr. Lewis worked with Lauren on improving her technique and understanding of musical concepts. Lauren practiced an exercise and a piece, focusing on rhythm, hand position, and pattern recognition. Mr. Lewis assigned practice with the metronome and pattern identification, and mentioned sending a new piece in the next playlist.
Note Values
Measures and Bar Lines
Ledger Lines
Sequences
Mr. Lewis coached Dan de Lion on piano, focusing on jazz voicings, comping, and general technique. Dan is working on 2-5-1 progressions, shell voicings, and pieces like "These Foolish Things" and "Tyranny." Key areas for improvement include understanding scales and chord construction, rhythm, smooth transitions, thumb crossing, and keyboard navigation. They are adjusting the lesson plan to prioritize comping and address Dan's specific goals, while also managing scheduling conflicts.
Two-Five-One Progression
Sharps in a Measure
Thirds and Slurs
Dotted Rhythms
Mr. Lewis and Justin worked on piano technique, focusing on posture, hand position, and finger exercises from Czerny's Opus 500. They also covered basic music theory and rhythm using the "Accelerated Piano Adventures" lesson book. Justin was assigned exercises from both books and instructed to use a metronome for rhythm practice; he also needs to acquire the correct lesson book.
Importance of Slow Practice
Rhythm and Note Values
Pattern Recognition
Evenness in Finger Technique
Types of piano lessons
Grand Piano
Digital Piano
Upright Piano
Classical Piano
Free lesson slots
1 / 1
Teaching tools used in piano classes
PDF Sheet Music Libraries
Metronome Apps
Chord & Scale Reference Apps
Ear Training Software
Virtual Piano Apps
Student types for piano lessons
Piano for Adults
Piano for Advanced
Piano for Beginners
Piano for Intermediate
Piano for Kids
Interactive piano lessons
Record lessons
Note taking
Parent feedback
Open Q&A
Chat for quick help
Piano teacher on Wiingy are vetted for quality
Every tutor is interviewed and selected for subject expertise and teaching skill.