Otha Lewis
Discover classical piano through personalized lessons that emphasize musical nuance and sound technique.
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Otha Lewis
Diploma degree
Enroll after the free trial
Each lesson is 55 min
50 lessons
20% off
/ lesson
30 lessons
15% off
/ lesson
20 lessons
10% off
/ lesson
10 lessons
5% off
/ lesson
5 lessons
-
/ lesson
1 lessons
-
/ lesson
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
Pedaling Techniques
Music theory
Piano Technique
Performance Skills
Finger Placement & Hand Position
Types of learners for piano lessons
Piano for Kids
Piano for Adults
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
Flexible Scheduling
Allows 1h early scheduling
Allows 1h early rescheduling
Can wait for 20 mins after joining
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10 day Refund
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Free Tutor Swap
Piano concepts taught by Otha
The Tutor and Student worked on piano technique, focusing on musical dynamics, articulation, and precise hand/wrist positioning for playing arpeggios. They introduced a new Minuet piece and discussed its relation to a previously learned composition, with plans to practice both.
Musical Dynamics
Tempo and Moderato
Articulation and Phrasing
Hand Position and Technique
Arpeggios and Chords
The Student and Tutor reviewed piano technique, focusing on posture, hand and arm positioning, and finger coordination during the practice of Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata. They identified technical habits hindering progress and discussed strategies for improvement, including revised fingering and movement techniques. The Tutor will provide supplementary materials to address these technical challenges.
Piano Technique: Hand and Wrist Posture
Fingering Principles for Triads
Practicing for Fluency and Problem Solving
Level Two Fundamentals Workbook
The Tutor and Student reviewed piano music, focusing on chord inversions, identifying musical patterns, and developing technical proficiency through exercises like number 10 and 11. They planned to select specific pieces from the first book for focused practice and recording, and to continue with new material (numbers 11 and 12) in upcoming sessions.
Musical Chord Inversions
Musical Gesture and Muscle Memory
Intervals and Stacking Thirds
Musical Motifs and Repetition
The student and tutor reviewed piano technique, focusing on finger independence and arm movement using exercises from Hannon and Schmidt. They practiced identifying benchmark notes and understanding interval patterns within musical pieces, and discussed strategies for practicing a Bach composition by focusing on individual hands.
Finger Independence and Control
Interval Recognition and Application
Movement in Steps (Seconds)
Five-Finger Pattern Exercises
The tutor and student reviewed music theory concepts including triads, key signatures, and Roman numeral analysis, applying them to musical examples. They practiced transposing a melody and chords to a new key and discussed advanced performance techniques and challenges in a complex piano piece, including pedal usage and hand positioning for wide intervals. Next steps include developing an overall plan for the current piece and beginning work on 'Constellation'.
Determining Musical Key
Triads and Figured Bass
Transposition: Moving Music to New Keys
The student and tutor reviewed ear training exercises focusing on intervals, scales, and chords. They then analyzed the "Moonlight Sonata," discussing key signatures, inversions, and practicing specific scales and passages in C# minor. The student was given practice recommendations for the piece.
Interval Recognition
Key Signature and Tonic Identification
Scale Construction and Fingering
Major vs. Minor Scales and Triads
Approach & tools used in piano classes
PDF Sheet Music Libraries
Metronome Apps
Chord & Scale Reference Apps
Virtual Piano Apps
Ear Training Software
Interactive piano lessons
Weekend lessons
Open Q&A
Chat for quick help
Note taking
Record lessons
Piano teachers on Wiingy are vetted for quality
Every tutor is interviewed and selected for subject expertise and teaching skill.