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
Piano Technique
Finger Placement & Hand Position
Sight Reading
Music theory
Scales and Arpeggios
Performance Skills
Piano Repertoire
Types of learners for piano lessons
Piano for Advanced
Piano for Kids
Piano for Beginners
Piano for Adults
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
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15 days Refund
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Free Tutor Swap
Piano concepts taught by Otha
The student and tutor worked on piano technique, focusing on metronome use with Schmidt exercises and addressing rhythmic challenges in a Bach piece. They introduced the concept of transposition, practicing exercises in different keys to improve overall musicianship and prepare for upcoming repertoire.
Metronome Subdivision for Rhythm Mastery
Transposition for Technical Proficiency
Identifying and Practicing Rhythmic Motifs
The student and tutor reviewed piano exercises from Opus 599, focusing on left-hand technique and rhythmic precision with a metronome. They discussed articulation, voicing, and the impact of tempo on musical phrasing, with plans to continue exploring right-hand ideas in the next session.
Voicing and Articulation Control
The Metronome as a Musical Tool
Piece as a 'Creature'
Hierarchical Counting and Phrasing
The tutor and student explored advanced concepts in music theory, focusing on the interpretation of time signatures and tempo indications in classical piano pieces. They analyzed specific musical examples to understand the historical context of tempo markings and their impact on performance practice, with plans to delve deeper into Chopin's piano technique.
Time Signatures: Beyond the Numbers
Tempo Indications: A Flexible Guide
Species of Time and Rhythmic Interpretation
Metronome Usage: Whole Beat vs. Subdivision
The Tutor and Student explored the fundamentals of time signatures, focusing on 3/8 time and its implications for musical meter and subdivision. They practiced rhythmic counting and subdivision techniques, applying them to musical examples to understand meter hierarchy and syncopation. The session concluded with a discussion on interpreting musical phrasing and motifs, referencing a specific composer's work.
Time Signatures: Understanding the Basics
Meter and Counting in 3/8 Time
Poly polyrhythms and Syncopation in Music
Musical Motifs and Callbacks
The session involved a piano tutor and student working through specific measures of a musical piece, likely "Moonlight Sonata." They focused on improving rhythmic accuracy with a metronome, refining finger technique, and addressing hand positioning for challenging passages. The student was advised to continue practicing the current section and the tutor suggested focusing on new sections of the piece for future sessions.
Metronome Practice for Rhythmic Accuracy
Finger Technique: Minimizing Finger Lift
Strategic Hand Positioning for Stretches
Transposition as a Practice Tool
The tutor and student worked on piano technique, focusing on correct fingering, hand posture, and articulation to improve musical expression and fluidity. They practiced specific passages, addressing issues like wrist position and note endings, and planned to continue refining these techniques.
Fingering Experimentation and Strategy
Ergonomics and Posture for Piano Playing
Articulation and Dynamic Control for Expressive Playing
Pivoting and Position Changes for Seamless Transitions
Approach & tools used in piano classes
Ear Training Software
PDF Sheet Music Libraries
Metronome Apps
Chord & Scale Reference Apps
Virtual Piano Apps
Interactive piano lessons
Chat for quick help
Note taking
Parent feedback
Weekend lessons
Open Q&A
Piano teachers on Wiingy are vetted for quality
Every tutor is interviewed and selected for subject expertise and teaching skill.