Otha Lewis
Discover classical piano through personalized lessons that emphasize musical nuance and sound technique.
Loading...
Show all photos
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
Rhythm and Timing
Performance Skills
Chord Theory
Piano Technique
Ear training
Sight Reading
Piano Repertoire
CoTutorAI modules
Summary
Podcast
Quiz
Learnings
Flashcard
Spotlight
Zero Risk Guaranteed
15-days refund
Free tutor swap
No cancel fee
1-yr validity
24/7 support
Types of learners for piano lessons
Piano for Advanced
Piano for Adults
Piano for Beginners
Piano for Intermediate
Piano for Kids
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 worked on piano technique, specifically the B major scale in contrary motion and technical exercises from Cherney's Opus 802 and Opus 239. The student practiced scale fingering, contrary motion scales, and repeated patterns from the Cherney exercises, with a plan to record and play along with exercises from Opus 239 for the next lesson.
B Major Scale Fingering and Contrary Motion
Cherney's Opus 802: Technical Exercises
Cherney's Opus 239: A Musical Teaching Method
The piano lesson covered technical exercises from Opus 802, focusing on practice methods and articulation. The student also reviewed major flat key signatures in their theory book, learning how to identify and derive them using the circle of fifths. Future practice will include working with duets and applying new theoretical knowledge to exercises.
Opus 599 - Czerny's Practical Method for Beginners
Fundamentals of Piano Theory - Level 2
Technique - Opus 802
Musical Pattern Recognition and Simplification
The student and tutor worked on two piano pieces: a turn study from Opus 299 and a Nocturne. They analyzed technical aspects, rhythmic interpretation, and phrasing for both pieces, with a focus on developing a more expressive and less hesitant performance. The student will continue practicing these pieces and will review specific sections, including a pre-assigned reading on musical emphasis, for the next session.
Understanding Turns in Music
Tempo and Phrasing in 6/8 Time
Musical Development and Variation
Expressive Phrasing and Performance
The Student and Tutor reviewed practice habits and scheduling, then focused on music theory concepts including musical sequences, parallel and contrary motion, and harmonic analysis. The Student practiced identifying these elements in musical pieces and received guidance on fingering and technical execution, with plans to continue work on specific exercises and theory tasks.
Musical Sequences and Elaboration
Developing a "Violinistic" Tone on Piano
Fingering Strategies and Hand Position
Contrary Motion in Harmony
Sequences in Music
The Tutor and Student explored primary triads, scale degrees, and chord inversions, focusing on identifying and constructing chords. They also worked through the complexities of key signatures, specifically D flat major, and discussed piano technique for smoother playing. The Student will be assigned new exercises and the Tutor will provide additional resources for key signatures.
Circle of Fifths and Key Signatures
Musical Technique and Finger Dexterity
Triad Inversions
Primary Triads (1
4
5)
The student and tutor reviewed piano exercises, focusing on improving finger technique and wrist motion. They then delved into music theory, covering accidentals (sharps, flats, naturals) and the distinction between half and whole steps. The student will continue practicing exercises and applying these theoretical concepts.
Half Steps and Whole Steps
Pattern Recognition and Musical Structure
Musical Accidentals: Sharps
Flats
and Naturals
Developing Fluid Piano Technique
Approach & tools used in piano classes
Virtual Piano Apps
Metronome Apps
PDF Sheet Music Libraries
Chord & Scale Reference Apps
Ear Training Software
Interactive piano lessons
Weekend lessons
Record lessons
Parent feedback
Note taking
Chat for quick help
Piano teachers on Wiingy are vetted for quality
Every tutor is interviewed and selected for subject expertise and teaching skill.