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
Music theory
Piano Repertoire
Performance Skills
Sight Reading
Ear training
Piano Technique
Rhythm and Timing
CoTutorAI modules
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Podcast
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Types of learners for piano lessons
Piano for advanced
Piano for intermediate
Piano for beginners
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 student and tutor focused on the detailed interpretation and expressive performance of a piano piece, Opus 365, Number 47. They analyzed tempo markings, dynamic nuances, and phrasing techniques to move beyond robotic playing, with a plan to continue working on new pieces and applying these learned concepts.
Developing Interpretive Intuition
Musical Tempo and Expression Markings
Musical Phrasing and Tension Development
Ornamentation and Melodic Embellishment
Dynamic Nuances and Gradations
The Student and Tutor worked on piano exercises, focusing on reading music, identifying patterns like steps and skips, and practicing specific measures. They planned to continue working on the next page of the score in future sessions and discussed adjusting lesson frequency to 30-minute sessions twice a week.
Parallel vs. Contrary Motion
Reading and Annotating Music
Site Reading Development
Steps and Skips in Music
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.
Finger Independence and Hand Movement
Interpreting Musical Tempo and Expression
Rhythmic Counting and Score Reading Accuracy
Developing Musical Ear and Self-Critique
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.
Strategic Fingering for Fluidity in Scales
Harmonic Minor Scale Fingerings and Challenges
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
Approach & tools used in piano classes
Metronome Apps
Chord & Scale Reference Apps
Ear Training Software
Virtual Piano Apps
PDF Sheet Music Libraries
Interactive piano lessons
Parent feedback
Weekend lessons
Note taking
Open Q&A
Chat for quick help
Piano teachers on Wiingy are vetted for quality
Every tutor is interviewed and selected for subject expertise and teaching skill.