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

Sight Reading icon

Sight Reading

Pedaling Techniques icon

Pedaling Techniques

Scales and Arpeggios icon

Scales and Arpeggios

Piano Technique icon

Piano Technique

Rhythm and Timing icon

Rhythm and Timing

Ear training icon

Ear training

Performance Skills icon

Performance Skills

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AI modules

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Podcast

Quiz

Learnings

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1-yr validity

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Types of learners for piano lessons

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Piano for beginners

Piano for adults icon

Piano for adults

Piano for intermediate icon

Piano for intermediate

Piano for advanced icon

Piano for advanced

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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 1 day ago

Student and Tutor focused on practicing several piano pieces and etudes, including exercises 802, 11-15, and pieces 299, 59920, and 2018. They worked on finger independence, scale passages, rhythmic accuracy with a metronome, and specific articulation techniques involving wrist and arm weight. The Student received feedback on refining fingering and developing gestural playing, with a plan to continue practicing these pieces and explore more complex rhythms in upcoming assignments.

Gesture-Based Playing: The 'No-Look' Technique

Precision in Rhythm and Metronome Practice

Cultivating Expressive Articulation with Wrist and Arm Weight

Strategic Sectional Practice for Complex Pieces

Mastering Finger Independence with Hanon Exercises

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Student learned 2 days ago

The Student and Tutor worked on piano technique, introducing a new C7 scale pattern and practicing specific fingerings for seamless crossovers. They also reviewed an existing piece, focusing on improving rhythm, left-hand chord accuracy, and developing a wider dynamic range, especially achieving pianissimo. The Tutor recommended slow practice and recording sessions for performance refinement.

Effective Practice for Performance

Ascending Crossover Fingering Pattern

Descending Crossover Fingering & Reset

Dynamic Nuance: Achieving Pianissimo (Quiet Tone)

Timing & Rhythm Precision

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Student learned 5 days ago

The Student and Tutor focused on piano technique, practicing Czerny 802, 599, and 299 exercises. They addressed challenges with tempo, fingering, wrist motion, and combining hands, with the Tutor emphasizing continuous progression through repertoire over perfect mastery of individual pieces. The session concluded with advice on building consistent practice habits and an outlook on skills required for intermediate music.

Strategic Finger Reliance in Challenging Passages

Learning from Halts and Playing Through

The Discipline of Fingering and Positional Trust

Segmented Practice for Complex Pieces

Wrist-Guided Technique and Meditative Practice (Technique & Mindset)

The "Noble Pursuit" of Persistent Practice (Character & Patience)

The "Telephone Game" of Collections and Contextual Practice

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Student learned 5 days ago

The Tutor and Student worked on piano exercises from Opus 802, focusing on sight-reading, proper hand technique, and consistent practice methods. They specifically addressed playing with both hands, maintaining a slow tempo, and identifying notes on the staff. Homework includes writing out notes for new exercises and practicing repetitions.

Reinforcing Note Reading through Active Engagement

Strategic Practice: Repetition and Deliberate Speed

Fundamental Piano Technique: Wrist and Finger Posture

Developing Active Sight-Reading Skills

Opus 802: Introducing Both Hands Together

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Student learned 7 days ago

The Student practiced several piano pieces, including Opus 802, Number 8, and Opus 599, Numbers 15 and 16, focusing on finger independence and rhythmic accuracy. The Tutor introduced new velocity studies from Cherney's School of Velocity (Opus 299, Number 1), emphasizing specific fingering techniques and coordinated hand movements. The Student was assigned to practice Opus 299, Number 1, up to measure eight.

Rhythmic Clarity: Quarter Notes within Triplets (Opus 1515

No. 15)

Rhythmic Clarity: Quarter Notes within Sixteenth Notes (Opus 1515

No. 16)

Tempo Control and Identifying Difficulty (Opus 500)

Cherney's School of Velocity: Piano Traversing Techniques (Opus 299

No. 1)

Rhythmic Integration & Historical Resources (Opus 299

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Student learned 8 days ago

Student and Tutor focused on piano technique, sight-reading, and advanced ragtime concepts. They practiced exercises from Opus 802 and Opus 599, refining fingerings, hand motions like parallel and contrary motion, and developing a specific "trampoline" pushing gesture. The session also covered a specialized target practice method for complex stride jumps in an advanced rag, with the Student instructed to practice Opus 802, Opus 599 number 10, and specific sections of the rag daily.

Efficient Piano Motion: Parallel & Contrary

Developing Site-Reading Discipline

Ragtime Stride & Gesture Technique

Targeted Practice for Stride Jumps & Accuracy

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Approach & tools used in piano classes

Virtual Piano Apps image

Virtual Piano Apps

PDF Sheet Music Libraries image

PDF Sheet Music Libraries

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Metronome Apps

Chord & Scale Reference Apps image

Chord & Scale Reference Apps

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Ear Training Software

Interactive piano lessons

Note taking icon

Note taking

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Record lessons

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Open Q&A

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Chat for quick help

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Parent feedback

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