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
Ear training
Pedaling Techniques
Music theory
Finger Placement & Hand Position
Sight Reading
Rhythm and Timing
Piano Technique
CoTutorAI modules
Summary
Podcast
Quiz
Learnings
Flashcard
Spotlight
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Types of learners for piano lessons
Piano for Adults
Piano for Kids
Piano for Beginners
Piano for Advanced
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
Grand Piano
Digital Piano
Upright Piano
Classical Piano
Piano concepts taught by Otha
The Tutor and Student reviewed the concept of the circle of fifths and its application to key signatures, focusing on the order of sharps and flats and methods for identifying them. They practiced deriving key signatures by moving in fifths and analyzing the role of tendency tones. Future practice will involve applying these concepts to various exercises and working on dynamics.
Constructing Key Signatures: Sharps and Flats
Tendency Tones and Musical Resolution
Circle of Fifths and Key Relationships
The tutor and student reviewed the construction of major and minor scales and methods for identifying key signatures. They practiced rhythmic subdivisions and discussed techniques for playing specific musical passages, with homework likely involving applying these concepts to assigned pieces.
Relative Minor Keys
Major Scale Construction via Tetrachords
Key Signature Identification Rules
Subdivision of Time and Rhythmic Values
The student and tutor reviewed fundamental piano techniques, including posture and body alignment, and explored basic musical concepts like parallel and contrary motion. They practiced rhythmic exercises and applied these concepts to initial musical pieces, with the tutor providing a worksheet for ongoing practice.
Rhythmic Perception
Musical Motion and Intervals
Hand and Finger Positioning
Proper Piano Posture
The student and tutor reviewed advanced rhythmic counting techniques in 3/8 time, specifically as applied to a piano piece. They also discussed piano fingering and technical execution, and the student expressed a preference for simpler repertoire and a more encouraging learning approach moving forward.
Time Signatures and Counting
Rhythmic Subdivisions and Note Values
Fingering and Technical Execution
Practice Strategies and Learning Pace
The tutor and student worked through exercises from Opus 599, focusing on musical articulation, phrasing, and rhythmic precision, particularly with 16th note subdivisions. They discussed technical approaches for achieving specific tonal qualities and practiced metronome techniques for complex rhythms. The next session will continue exploring these concepts and introduce new material.
Musical Articulation
Metronome Subdivisions and Counting
Voicing and Inversions in Harmony
Phrasing and Melodic Ambiguity
The student and tutor reviewed and practiced piano techniques, including scale movements, rhythmic repetition, proper posture, and hand positioning. They also introduced and practiced musical concepts of steps and skips, with the student working on these exercises in both hands. The tutor assigned practice of these concepts and will provide a worksheet and music playlist.
Musical Steps and Skips
Repetition and Pattern Practice
Finding Notes Using Black Key Groups
Piano Hand and Wrist Position
Approach & tools used in piano classes
Metronome Apps
Virtual Piano Apps
Ear Training Software
PDF Sheet Music Libraries
Chord & Scale Reference Apps
Interactive piano lessons
Weekend lessons
Parent feedback
Note taking
Record lessons
Chat for quick help
Piano teachers on Wiingy are vetted for quality
Every tutor is interviewed and selected for subject expertise and teaching skill.