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
Scales and Arpeggios
Piano Technique
Music theory
Piano Repertoire
Sight Reading
Ear training
Pedaling Techniques
CoTutorAI modules
Summary
Podcast
Quiz
Learnings
Flashcard
Spotlight
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1-yr validity
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Types of learners for piano lessons
Piano for beginners
Piano for advanced
Piano for intermediate
Piano for kids
Piano for adults
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
Piano concepts taught by Otha
The tutor and student discussed musical interpretation, specifically the meaning of tempo and expression markings like 'Allegro' and 'Vivace.' They practiced technical exercises, addressed fingering challenges, and focused on developing accurate rhythm and coordination through detailed counting methods for repetitive musical passages.
Developing Musical Ear and Self-Critique
Rhythmic Counting and Score Reading Accuracy
Finger Independence and Hand Movement
Interpreting Musical Tempo and Expression
The tutor and student worked on piano technique, focusing on proper hand and wrist movements for scales and exercises from Czerny's Opus 802. They addressed issues like arm movement, thumb positioning, and wrist tension, and introduced strategies for playing octaves and chords more efficiently, with plans to continue this work in future sessions.
Efficient Piano Technique: Arm and Wrist Movement
Chernobyl Opus 802: Five-Finger Exercises
Octave Technique: Control and Range Expansion
Ragtime Challenges: Stride and Chord Formation
The tutor and student reviewed advanced piano techniques, focusing on fingering, articulation, and voicing within Czerny's studies. They analyzed specific scale passages and challenging musical sections, discussing strategies for executing difficult fingerings and bringing out melodic lines. The student was advised to practice a provided fingering for a complex passage.
Harmonic Minor Scale Fingerings and Challenges
Strategic Fingering for Fluidity in Scales
Voicing and Articulation in Piano Technique
Grace Notes and Rhythmic Precision
Developing Finger Legato Without the Pedal
Hand Position and Dexterity
Sequences and Patterns
Five-Finger Position and Grounding
Rhythmic Precision and Meter
Reading Notes vs. Fingering
The tutor and student reviewed exercises from Opus 802 and the 100 Progressive Studies, focusing on piano technique, phrasing, and transposing pieces into different keys. They practiced specific hand and wrist motions for connected playing and addressed fingering challenges in various pieces, with plans to continue with new exercises next session.
Connected Phrasing and Slurring
Forward Motion and Wrist Technique
Transposition and Key Signatures
Alberti Bass Patterns and Thumb Control
Triplet Notation and Subdivision
Octave Markings (8va)
The student and tutor reviewed piano technique, focusing on finger independence, chord execution, and developing a "bell-like" tone. They practiced exercises from various etude books, with the tutor providing strategies for breaking down difficult passages and encouraging lighter, more intuitive playing. The next steps involve continued practice with these techniques and exploring new repertoire.
Technique Development: Wrist and Finger Independence
Deconstructing Practice: Compartmentalization and Failure as Learning
Phrasing and Articulation in Piano Playing
Metronome Usage for Precision and Hierarchy
Approach & tools used in piano classes
Metronome Apps
Chord & Scale Reference Apps
Virtual Piano Apps
PDF Sheet Music Libraries
Ear Training Software
Interactive piano lessons
Chat for quick help
Open Q&A
Weekend lessons
Note taking
Parent feedback
Piano teachers on Wiingy are vetted for quality
Every tutor is interviewed and selected for subject expertise and teaching skill.