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
Rhythm and Timing
Piano Technique
Piano Repertoire
Scales and Arpeggios
Performance Skills
Sight Reading
CoTutorAI modules
Summary
Podcast
Quiz
Learnings
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Types of learners for piano lessons
Piano for adults
Piano for intermediate
Piano for kids
Piano for beginners
Piano for advanced
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 worked on advanced piano techniques and musical interpretation, focusing on complex fingerings, voicing, and rhythmic subdivision within a specific musical piece. The Tutor assigned practice on the first four measures of the A section of the piece and recommended listening to a curated playlist of ragtime composers for further study.
Understanding Triplets in Music
Voicing in Piano Music
Rhythmic Subdivision and Practice
Chord Shapes and Voicing Consistency
The student and tutor focused on piano practice strategies, specifically addressing challenges with technique, coordination, and tempo. They worked through exercises from various Opus numbers, identified difficult passages, and discussed the use of a metronome. The session concluded with the introduction of new material from Opus 500, emphasizing careful fingering and transition practice.
Fingerings and Contrary Motion
Tempo and Practice Strategies
Structured Practice and Piece Progression
The student and tutor worked extensively on advanced C scale patterns, focusing on precise fingering and articulation. They then transitioned to a specific musical piece, where the tutor provided feedback on challenging passages, fingering, tempo, and touch, with plans to continue refining the student's performance in these areas.
Navigating Complex Piano Fingerings
Articulation and Tone in Piano Playing
Deciphering and Executing Descending Piano Passages
Mastering Piano Jumps and Hand Rotations
Interpreting Tempo Markings in Modern Piano Music
The Tutor and Student worked on developing technical piano skills, focusing on Czerny exercises and metronome application. They discussed strategies for managing hand tension, improving fingering accuracy, and understanding rhythmic subdivisions. The next steps involve continued metronomic practice and focusing on specific technical challenges within the assigned pieces.
Metronome Tempo Interpretation
Fingering and Hand Independence
Progressive Practice Strategies
Articulation and Musical Expression
The student and tutor discussed the importance of different musical editions and their impact on performance. They then analyzed challenging tempo markings and explored advanced rhythmic concepts, including polyrhythms and the application of Whole Beat Metronome Practice for complex subdivisions. The student was tasked with practicing these concepts with a metronome.
Rhythmic Complexity and Metric Interpretation
The Importance of Musical Editions
Tempo Interpretation and Metronome Practice
Articulations and Voicing: The 'Leggiero' and 'Marcato' Distinction
The tutor and student reviewed piano exercises from Opus 802 and Opus 599, focusing on sight-reading, pattern recognition, and proper technique, including wrist and hand positioning. They began working on new material from Opus 599, number 19, and Opus 500, emphasizing the importance of careful reading and practicing challenging passages. The student was also reminded to listen to a provided playlist to develop their ear for musical phrasing.
Wrist and Elbow Movement for Hand Position
Extraneous Motion and Efficient Playing
Deceptive Positions and Fingerings
Phrase Structure in Music
Approach & tools used in piano classes
Virtual Piano Apps
Chord & Scale Reference Apps
Ear Training Software
PDF Sheet Music Libraries
Metronome Apps
Interactive piano lessons
Weekend lessons
Note taking
Record lessons
Parent feedback
Open Q&A
Piano teachers on Wiingy are vetted for quality
Every tutor is interviewed and selected for subject expertise and teaching skill.