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
Pedaling Techniques
Ear training
Scales and Arpeggios
Piano Repertoire
Piano Technique
Rhythm and Timing
Finger Placement & Hand Position
AI 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 kids
Piano for intermediate
Piano for advanced
Piano for adults
Piano for beginners
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 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
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
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.
Bass Clef Note Identification & Home Notes
Note Durations: Half Notes & Whole Notes
Left-Hand Piano Finger Positioning & Coordination
Understanding Musical Measures
Staccato Articulation
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.
Precise Note Reading & Correction
Mastering Two-Hand Coordination & Left-Hand Challenges
Recognizing & Practicing Musical Patterns
Correct Posture & Wrist Position
Effective Practice Techniques
The Student and Tutor focused on piano technique, addressing specific challenges in Etudes Opus 802, Nos. 16, 17, 5, and 8, as well as evenness in runs from Opus 299. They discussed efficient practice methods, hand positioning to avoid stretching, and the importance of focused performance practice without self-commentary. The Student was assigned to exclusively practice Opus 802, Nos. 4-6, concentrating on specific technical elements and breaking down sections.
Efficient Hand & Arm Movement
Pattern Recognition & Strategic Breakdown
Applying Fingering Principles for Smoothness
Performance Practice & Mindful Execution
Intentional & Segmented Practice
The Student and Tutor reviewed two existing piano pieces, focusing on hand form and specific note corrections, as well as introducing concepts of parallel and opposite motion. They then began a new method book, learning about the bass clef and identifying initial hand positions and a new five-finger pattern. The Student was assigned to finish piece two, practice the first two measures of the new piece, and complete some notation exercises.
Efficient Piano Playing Form
Music Motion: Parallel & Opposite
Treble Clef (G-Clef) & Bass Clef (F-Clef)
Locating Home Notes: Middle C
Treble G
Bass F
Opus 823 Piece 1: Hand Patterns
Approach & tools used in piano classes
PDF Sheet Music Libraries
Virtual Piano Apps
Chord & Scale Reference Apps
Metronome Apps
Ear Training Software
Interactive piano lessons
Weekend lessons
Parent feedback
Chat for quick help
Record lessons
Note taking

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Every tutor is interviewed and selected for subject expertise and teaching skill.
