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

Music theory icon

Music theory

Scales and Arpeggios icon

Scales and Arpeggios

Performance Skills icon

Performance Skills

Piano Technique icon

Piano Technique

Chord Theory icon

Chord Theory

Ear training icon

Ear training

Finger Placement & Hand Position icon

Finger Placement & Hand Position

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Learnings

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Types of learners for piano lessons

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Piano for adults

Piano for beginners icon

Piano for beginners

Piano for kids icon

Piano for kids

Piano for advanced icon

Piano for advanced

Piano for intermediate icon

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

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 1 day ago

The Student and Tutor worked on piano technique and specific pieces, including Opus 802 (exercise 16) and Andantino 158. They focused on hand positions, finger independence, wrist movement, and efficient practice strategies. The Tutor recommended practicing new exercises slowly, one per day, logging progress, and incorporating other repertoire like Opus 599.

Efficient Piano Hand Position & Relaxation

Targeted Hand Motions for Passages

Structured Practice Strategies

Score Navigation & Octave Precision

Cultivating Performance Readiness

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Student learned 1 day ago

Student and Tutor continued their piano lesson, reviewing right-hand scale variations and then introducing two-hand C scales, which the Student quickly grasped. They also worked on specific measures of piece 139, focusing on hand position preparation and left-hand fingering. For homework, the Student was assigned to practice these scales and piece sections, and was given a book of Christmas music to explore for the next session.

Right-Hand Scale Variations Refinement

Left-Hand Fingering Principles

Two-Handed C Scale Introduction & Coordination

Standardized Piano Note Naming (C₁

C₂

C₃

C₄

etc.)

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Student learned 3 days ago

The Student and Tutor reviewed music theory homework on rests and spelling, then introduced Unit 5, focusing on melodic and harmonic intervals, including an advanced discussion on major and minor intervals. The Student practiced identifying and drawing seconds on the piano staff. Homework was assigned for further interval practice and the Student worked on a piano piece, Charnney, applying concepts of parallel and contrary motion.

Naming Intervals by Number

Parallel and Contrary Motion in Piano Playing

Identifying & Drawing Intervals (2nds

3rds

4ths

5ths)

Intervals: Melodic vs. Harmonic

Musical Rests and Their Values

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Student learned 4 days ago

The Student and Tutor continued their piano lesson, focusing on foundational music theory and practical application. They reviewed bar lines and measures, then delved into rhythmic values by learning about whole, half, and quarter notes, practicing their durations using vocalization and clapping. The Student then applied these rhythmic and notational concepts to playing a piece with both hands, gradually integrating patterns and rhythm. Homework included repetitive practice of a section and identifying parallel and contrary motion in the score for the next session.

Music Notation Fundamentals: Measures & Bar Lines

Decoding Rhythm: Whole & Half Notes

Two-Hand Coordination: Parallel & Contrary Motion

Integrating Rhythm & Motion: Practicing with Repeat Signs

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Student learned 4 days ago

Student and Tutor worked on piano pieces 802 and 599, focusing on left-hand note identification in the bass clef, finger positioning, and rhythmic accuracy. They also practiced coordinating both hands for a new section of piece 599 and reviewed note values and the concept of staccato. Homework includes practicing piece number four and continuing with number five for the next session.

Understanding Musical Measures

Bass Clef Note Identification & Home Notes

Note Durations: Half Notes & Whole Notes

Left-Hand Piano Finger Positioning & Coordination

Staccato Articulation

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Student learned 5 days ago

Student and Tutor worked on piano exercises from book 802, focusing on note identification, chord transitions, and repetitive patterns. They also began reviewing 599, number 5, practicing the right-hand part and correcting fingerings and note recognition errors. The Tutor provided feedback on hand posture and assigned continued practice of 599, number 5, for both hands.

Correct Posture & Wrist Position

Effective Practice Techniques

Mastering Two-Hand Coordination & Left-Hand Challenges

Precise Note Reading & Correction

Recognizing & Practicing Musical Patterns

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Approach & tools used in piano classes

Virtual Piano Apps image

Virtual Piano Apps

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Ear Training Software

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PDF Sheet Music Libraries

Chord & Scale Reference Apps image

Chord & Scale Reference Apps

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Metronome Apps

Interactive piano lessons

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Chat for quick help

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Weekend lessons

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Note taking

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Record lessons

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Open Q&A

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