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
Sight Reading
Ear training
Piano Technique
Music theory
Pedaling Techniques
Finger Placement & Hand Position
Chord Theory
Types of learners for piano lessons
Piano for Kids
Piano for Beginners
Piano for Adults
Piano for Advanced
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
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15 days Refund
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Free Tutor Swap
Piano concepts taught by Otha
The session involved a piano tutor and student working through specific measures of a musical piece, likely "Moonlight Sonata." They focused on improving rhythmic accuracy with a metronome, refining finger technique, and addressing hand positioning for challenging passages. The student was advised to continue practicing the current section and the tutor suggested focusing on new sections of the piece for future sessions.
Transposition as a Practice Tool
Strategic Hand Positioning for Stretches
Finger Technique: Minimizing Finger Lift
Metronome Practice for Rhythmic Accuracy
The tutor and student worked on piano technique, focusing on correct fingering, hand posture, and articulation to improve musical expression and fluidity. They practiced specific passages, addressing issues like wrist position and note endings, and planned to continue refining these techniques.
Fingering Experimentation and Strategy
Ergonomics and Posture for Piano Playing
Articulation and Dynamic Control for Expressive Playing
Pivoting and Position Changes for Seamless Transitions
The student and tutor reviewed rhythmic concepts in music, including time signatures, note subdivisions, and the role of the metronome in developing accurate timing. They practiced counting subdivisions and applying tempo markings to musical examples. The session concluded with an introduction to melodic sequences and their analysis.
Note Relationships and Factoring
Sequences in Music
The Role of the Metronome
Time Signatures and Species of Time
The Tutor and Student reviewed triad inversions and worked on identifying primary triads within different key signatures, using the circle of fifths to understand key signatures. They then transitioned to practicing a musical piece, focusing on tempo, dynamics, and rhythmic phrasing using a whole beat metronome system.
Triad Inversions
Primary Triads: Tonic
Subdominant
Dominant
Circle of Fifths: Key Signature Navigation
Whole Beat Metronome Practice
The student and tutor worked on piano technique, specifically Hannon exercises and pop music transcriptions. They focused on developing consistent practice habits, analyzing musical arrangements, and applying advanced metronome techniques for rhythmic accuracy. The next session will continue the discussion on counting and metronome use for the minuet.
Rhythmic Accuracy and Articulation in Practice
Interpreting Musical Editions and Original Intent
Metronome as a Tool for Subdivision
The student and tutor reviewed music theory concepts from Book 1 and Book 2, focusing on intervals and the application of accidentals. They then engaged in an in-depth discussion about determining tempo in pieces without explicit metronome markings, using musical examples and historical context to explore interpretative choices and their impact on musical character. The student was assigned to practice a piece at different tempos to explore its expressive possibilities.
Understanding Accidentals and Key Signatures
Determining Tempo Without Explicit Indications
The Impact of Tempo on Musical Character
Approach & tools used in piano classes
Ear Training Software
Metronome Apps
PDF Sheet Music Libraries
Chord & Scale Reference Apps
Virtual Piano Apps
Interactive piano lessons
Weekend lessons
Record lessons
Note taking
Parent feedback
Open Q&A
Piano teachers on Wiingy are vetted for quality
Every tutor is interviewed and selected for subject expertise and teaching skill.