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

Pedaling Techniques icon

Pedaling Techniques

Scales and Arpeggios icon

Scales and Arpeggios

Piano Repertoire icon

Piano Repertoire

Rhythm and Timing icon

Rhythm and Timing

Finger Placement & Hand Position icon

Finger Placement & Hand Position

Performance Skills icon

Performance Skills

Chord Theory icon

Chord Theory

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Summary

Podcast

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Learnings

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Types of learners for piano lessons

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Piano for Adults

Piano for Advanced icon

Piano for Advanced

Piano for Intermediate icon

Piano for Intermediate

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 15 hours ago

The student and tutor reviewed rhythmic accuracy and precision in piano playing, focusing on duet practice and technical exercises. They explored the use of MuseScore 4 for metronome-assisted practice and worked on developing rhythmic independence and finger control through note subdivision. The session concluded with plans to continue structured practice of foundational exercises from Opus 802 and begin Book 3 of theory.

Baton Pass Technique

MuseScore 4 for Practice

Subdivision and Rhythm Control

Structured Practice with Repeats

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Student learned 2 days ago

The student and tutor reviewed piano exercises, focusing on hand coordination and the concept of musical "handoffs" between hands. They practiced new melodic patterns and began to interpret sheet music by identifying notes, clefs, and note durations, with the student assigned to practice these new skills and apply them to their current piece.

Note Durations: Long vs. Short

Measures and Measure Lines

Baton Pass Technique in Piano

Playing in Position and Finger Independence

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Student learned 2 days ago

The tutor and student worked through piano exercises from Opus 802 and Opus 599, focusing on hand coordination, rhythmic articulation, and developing smooth transitions between notes and chords. The tutor provided feedback on technique and suggested practice strategies, including repetition and playing at a slower tempo for better control. The next steps involve continuing with these exercises and preparing for new pieces from Opus 500.

Five-Finger Patterns and Variations

Hand Position and Ergonomics

Opus 802: Didactic Piano Studies

Baton Pass Technique

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Student learned 4 days ago

The Student and Tutor reviewed the Student's piano practice on the March and Czerny exercises, and introduced Bach Inventions. They worked on refining B major scale technique, focusing on efficient finger and wrist movement, and addressed coordination issues in contrary motion. The session included resolving audio difficulties to improve piano sound transmission and outlining continued practice on Czerny exercises and the first Bach Invention.

Ergonomic B Major Scale Technique

Coordinated Parallel & Contrary Motion

Thorough Czerny Practice & Sequencing

Bach Inventions: Fingering & Interpretation

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Student learned 5 days ago

The Student and Tutor worked on piano pieces, starting with a review of Opus 696 number 2 and an introduction to Opus 696 number 3, including detailed rhythmic analysis using 'food words' and left-hand connection techniques. They also reviewed the Student's etude, which showed significant improvement in musicality. For future work, they planned to approach Chopin's Waltz in C# Minor and a new etude (Opus 754 number 5) focusing on 'floral pianism,' for which they developed initial fingerings. The Student was assigned to acquire a specific edition of the Chopin Waltz and practice the new etude's right-hand passage.

Introduction to Floral Pianism & Advanced Deconstruction

Advanced Fingering Strategies

Rhythmic Subdivision with "Food Words"

Expressive Dynamics & Touch Control

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Student learned 5 days ago

The Student and Tutor worked on piano technique, focusing on rhythmic counting for triplets in Opus 802 and refining hand positions for five-finger patterns and arpeggios in Opus 599. The Tutor introduced a new method for identifying and building three-note chord shapes. The Student was assigned to apply these chord recognition techniques to Opus 599, Exercise 10, and continue practicing rhythmic counting exercises.

Rhythmic Subdivision and Triplets

Accents and Musical Emphasis

Accordion/Slinky Hand Gesture for Piano

Identifying Chord Shapes (Even

Pinch

Gap)

Left Hand Stability and Phrasing Structure

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Approach & tools used in piano classes

Chord & Scale Reference Apps image

Chord & Scale Reference Apps

Virtual Piano Apps image

Virtual Piano Apps

PDF Sheet Music Libraries image

PDF Sheet Music Libraries

Metronome Apps image

Metronome Apps

Ear Training Software image

Ear Training Software

Interactive piano lessons

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Record lessons

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Chat for quick help

Note taking icon

Note taking

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Weekend lessons

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Open Q&A

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