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

Finger Placement & Hand Position icon

Finger Placement & Hand Position

Ear training icon

Ear training

Performance Skills icon

Performance Skills

Pedaling Techniques icon

Pedaling Techniques

Piano Repertoire icon

Piano Repertoire

Piano Technique icon

Piano Technique

Chord Theory icon

Chord Theory

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Types of learners for piano lessons

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Piano for kids

Piano for adults icon

Piano for adults

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Piano for advanced

Piano for intermediate icon

Piano for intermediate

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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

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 6 hours ago

Student and Tutor addressed issues with fingering in Czerny Opus 599, comparing different editions and discussing the rationale behind efficient fingerings for piano technique. They practiced a piece with a metronome to improve timing and discussed strategies for smooth hand repositioning. For homework, the Student was encouraged to continue practicing Opus 599 and 299, work on new material from Opus 802, and consider supplementing their practice with Czerny Opus 823.

Critical Evaluation of Piano Editions

Efficient Fingering & Position Shifting

Strategic Practice Techniques for Mastery

Building Finger Independence and Hand Freedom

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Student learned about 8 hours ago

The Student and Tutor worked on piano skills, reviewing existing pieces and introducing the complex task of playing three-note chords with specific fingerings and hand positions. The Student then began practicing a new piece, with the assignment to practice three new measures daily, repeating each five times, focusing on slow and accurate execution.

Left Hand Three-Note Chord (C-E-G)

Right Hand Three-Note Chord (E-G-C)

Ergonomic Finger Technique for Chords

Smooth Transitions from Single Notes to Chords

Structured Daily Practice Methodology

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Student learned about 9 hours ago

The Tutor and Student worked on piano exercises from Czerny's 802 and 599. They focused on rhythmic interpretation, understanding key signatures, transposing exercises, and specific practice techniques for both hands. The Student was assigned to continue practicing 599 Number 20 and apply transposition to previous exercises, with an additional resource suggested for sight-reading.

Right-Hand Arpeggio Technique and Coordination

Strategic Left-Hand Practice for Fluidity

Understanding Accidentals: Scope and Rules

Practical Key Signature Transposition

Articulating Six-Note Groups for Musicality

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Student learned 3 days ago

The session was an introductory piano lesson where the Tutor assessed the Student's prior experience and introduced their teaching methodology, which emphasizes foundational technique over traditional method books. They practiced identifying notes like C on the keyboard, learned finger numbering, and began naming notes C-G in the right hand, with significant attention paid to correct piano posture and setup for online learning. The Tutor outlined the initial curriculum focusing on specific Cherney exercises for future practice.

Carl Czerny's Foundational Exercises (Opus 599 & 802)

Note Naming (C-G) and Five-Finger Patterns

Standard Piano Finger Numbering (1-5)

Locating C Notes Using Black Key Groups

Ergonomic Piano Posture and Hand Position

Teacher's Unique Pedagogical Approach

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Student learned 3 days ago

Student and Tutor worked on advanced piano techniques, focusing on complex fingering patterns and rhythmic challenges in pieces like Example 10 and 802. They practiced specific wrist and finger movements to alleviate tension and improve fluidity, with the Student assigned to continue practicing these pieces and new techniques.

Rhythmic Accuracy & Pattern Tracking

Reading Dense Scores & Understanding Ties

Optimizing Finger Movement (3

4

5) with Wrist Support

Wrist-Driven "Pushing Motion" for Effortless Playing

Cultivating Relaxed Hand & Wrist Posture

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Student learned 4 days ago

The Student and Tutor worked on piano technique, musicality, and interpretation across several pieces, including finger exercises, Opus 599 No. 10, and Original Rags. They focused on posture, tone production, dynamic control, and advanced pedaling techniques, with specific guidance for left-hand movements. The Student was assigned to practice these pieces, paying close attention to the discussed technical and musical concepts, and to utilize their school piano for additional practice.

Left Hand Ragtime Technique: Arches & Springboards

Cultivating Expressive Dynamics & Full Piano Tone

Advanced Pedal Techniques for Articulation & Tone

Strategic Practice & Musical Development

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Approach & tools used in piano classes

Ear Training Software image

Ear Training Software

Metronome Apps image

Metronome Apps

PDF Sheet Music Libraries image

PDF Sheet Music Libraries

Chord & Scale Reference Apps image

Chord & Scale Reference Apps

Virtual Piano Apps image

Virtual Piano Apps

Interactive piano lessons

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Weekend lessons

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Parent feedback

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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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