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

Ear training icon

Ear training

Piano Technique icon

Piano Technique

Rhythm and Timing icon

Rhythm and Timing

Finger Placement & Hand Position icon

Finger Placement & Hand Position

Pedaling Techniques icon

Pedaling Techniques

Music theory icon

Music theory

Chord Theory icon

Chord Theory

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Learnings

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Types of learners for piano lessons

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Piano for advanced

Piano for kids icon

Piano for kids

Piano for adults icon

Piano for adults

Piano for beginners icon

Piano for beginners

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 about 18 hours ago

Student and Tutor worked on various piano exercises and pieces, including 802, 599, and 299, focusing on improving finger independence, hand posture, and efficient movement techniques. They discussed effective practice strategies like segmenting difficult passages and visualizing hand shapes. The Tutor introduced new technical approaches for wrist and hand motion to enhance playing fluidity. No new material was assigned; the Student was encouraged to solidify current pieces and techniques.

Holistic Hand & Wrist Mechanics

Ergonomic Chord Transitions & Parallel Motion

Achieving Evenness and Consistency

Strategic & Intentional Practice Routines

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Student learned 1 day ago

The Student and Tutor focused on refining piano technique, addressing left-hand finger posture and ergonomic playing, correct wrist elevation, and an improved approach to sound production by engaging the entire hand. They also worked on musicality, including pedal use, rhythm interpretation (waltz and avoiding swing), and phrase shaping. For follow-up, the Student was assigned to practice the first eight measures of Czerny 299 No. 1 to further discipline scale playing and apply the discussed techniques to current pieces.

Ergonomic Hand Position for Left Hand

Correct Wrist Posture

The 'Push Forward' Key Depressing Technique

Waltz Rhythm and Musical Articulation

Efficient Scale Fingering & Hand Movement

Etudes for Scale Discipline

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Student learned 3 days ago

The Student and Tutor continued piano practice, reviewing a learned piece and working on new exercises involving parallel motion with both hands. They focused on active note reading, correct fingerings, and a structured practice method for new material. As homework, the Student was tasked with writing down note names for a new piece in the 599 book.

Strategic Piano Progression

Developing Two-Hand Parallel Motion

The Importance of Active Note Reading

Differentiating Fingering from Note Names

Identifying Notes with the G-Clef

Introduction to Ledger Lines & Low G Position

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Student learned 4 days ago

Student and Tutor engaged in a detailed piano lesson, reviewing multiple etudes and technical exercises. They focused on refining finger control, wrist motion, tempo, articulation, and balancing voices across different pieces. The session also included discussions on managing physical discomfort during practice and exploring new music for broader skill development.

Hand Balance and Voicing in Melodic Context

Effective Practice Techniques for Piano Studies

Nuanced Articulation & Dynamics in Triple Meter (3/4 Time)

Intrinsic Hand Muscle Control & Finger Independence

Voicing in Polyphonic Textures

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Student learned 4 days ago

The Student and Tutor focused on practicing a piano piece, specifically addressing challenging sections involving parallel and opposite motion, note identification, and proper fingering. The Student practiced overcoming hesitation in difficult measures through slow, repeated exercises. For follow-up, the Student was encouraged to continue practicing these specific sections and mark their score for clarity, in preparation for moving on to a new piece next week.

Interval Recognition: Steps & Skips

Marking the Score for Clarity

Proper Fingering & Hand Posture

Understanding Musical Motion: Parallel & Opposite

Targeted Practice Strategies

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Student learned 5 days ago

Student and Tutor reviewed several piano pieces, including Opus 802 numbers 5 and 6, Opus 599 number 19, and Opus 20 focusing on Alberti bass. They also introduced a new piece from Opus 500 centered on playing sixths. The Student was advised to practice difficult sections separately and reinforce hand independence for homework.

The Sixth Interval Hand Shape (Opus 500 New Piece)

Hand Independence Through Disjointed Fingerings (Opus 500 Old Piece)

Prioritizing Notes Over Fingerings

Mastering Mobile Alberti Bass (Opus 20)

Structural Grouping in Reading

Controlled Tempo & Musicality

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Approach & tools used in piano classes

Metronome Apps image

Metronome Apps

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Ear Training Software

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Virtual Piano Apps

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Chord & Scale Reference Apps

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PDF Sheet Music Libraries

Interactive piano lessons

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Open Q&A

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Parent feedback

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Weekend lessons

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Chat for quick help

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Record lessons

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