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

Piano Repertoire icon

Piano Repertoire

Rhythm and Timing icon

Rhythm and Timing

Music theory icon

Music theory

Pedaling Techniques icon

Pedaling Techniques

Scales and Arpeggios icon

Scales and Arpeggios

Ear training icon

Ear training

Piano Technique icon

Piano Technique

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Podcast

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Learnings

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Types of learners for piano lessons

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Piano for intermediate

Piano for advanced icon

Piano for advanced

Piano for adults icon

Piano for adults

Piano for beginners icon

Piano for beginners

Piano for kids icon

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 about 9 hours ago

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

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Student learned about 11 hours ago

The tutor and student explored advanced piano techniques, focusing on the application of natural, harmonic, and melodic minor scales within complex musical passages. They practiced scale exercises and discussed expressive performance techniques, with the student advised to record themselves to refine timing and fingering.

Understanding Minor Scales: Natural

Harmonic

and Melodic

Fingering Strategies for Complex Passages

The Use of Pedal in Piano Performance

Interpreting Musical Intent: Composer vs. Performer

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Student learned 1 day ago

The tutor and student worked on developing piano technique, focusing on finger independence, hand flexibility, and controlled speed through exercises and pieces from Opus 802 and Opus 599. They discussed the importance of proper technique and slow practice, and planned to continue with more advanced material.

Reading Music and Sight-Reading

Metronome Precision

Staccatissimo and Articulation

Playing at a Slower Tempo

Wrist Engagement in Piano Technique

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Student learned 2 days ago

The student and tutor worked on piano technique, practicing scales and arpeggios derived from chord tones to build muscle memory and improve fingering. They then analyzed specific measures from Opus 139, focusing on strategic fingering choices for descending passages and hand positioning.

Harmonic Function and Finger Placement

Scale Construction from Chords

Accidentals and Measure Consistency

Clef Usage and Hand Assignment

Flexible Fingering for Optimal Execution

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Student learned 3 days ago

The student and tutor focused on the detailed interpretation and expressive performance of a piano piece, Opus 365, Number 47. They analyzed tempo markings, dynamic nuances, and phrasing techniques to move beyond robotic playing, with a plan to continue working on new pieces and applying these learned concepts.

Developing Interpretive Intuition

Musical Tempo and Expression Markings

Musical Phrasing and Tension Development

Ornamentation and Melodic Embellishment

Dynamic Nuances and Gradations

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Student learned 4 days ago

The Student and Tutor worked on piano exercises, focusing on reading music, identifying patterns like steps and skips, and practicing specific measures. They planned to continue working on the next page of the score in future sessions and discussed adjusting lesson frequency to 30-minute sessions twice a week.

Parallel vs. Contrary Motion

Reading and Annotating Music

Site Reading Development

Steps and Skips in Music

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Approach & tools used in piano classes

PDF Sheet Music Libraries image

PDF Sheet Music Libraries

Metronome Apps image

Metronome Apps

Virtual Piano Apps image

Virtual Piano Apps

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Ear Training Software

Chord & Scale Reference Apps image

Chord & Scale Reference Apps

Interactive piano lessons

Note taking icon

Note taking

Weekend lessons icon

Weekend lessons

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Chat for quick help

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Parent feedback

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Open Q&A

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