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
Piano Repertoire
Scales and Arpeggios
Pedaling Techniques
Rhythm and Timing
Sight Reading
Ear training
Performance Skills
Types of learners for piano lessons
Piano for Adults
Piano for Intermediate
Piano for Beginners
Piano for Kids
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
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 reviewed piano technique exercises from Hanon and ear training concepts from a theory book. They practiced identifying intervals and musical qualities, and discussed a plan to focus on specific exercises and theory units for continued technical and auditory development.
Hannon's Virtuoso Pianist Exercises
Fundamentals of Piano Theory
Transposition in Music
Ear Training: Interval Identification
The tutor and student reviewed piano practice techniques, focusing on analyzing musical scores and improving hand and wrist posture. They worked through a piece, exploring interpretation through articulations and discussing the benefits of practicing scales like B Major. Future lessons will continue scale work and refining practice strategies.
The B Major Scale: Fingering and Structure
Piano Technique: Hand and Wrist Movement
Neighbor Tones and Anchor Tones
Articulation Symbols: Staccato
Accent
Tenuto
The student and tutor worked on piano technique, focusing on precise fingering, efficient hand movements, and accurate score interpretation. They analyzed specific passages, corrected technical errors, and discussed strategies for productive practice. The next steps involve applying these techniques to the A section of the piece and preparing for more challenging sections.
Efficient Practice Techniques
The Importance of Fingering
Hand Position and Movement (Slinkying)
Score Diligence and Problem Identification
Avoiding Overcompensation and Inefficient Habits
The tutor and student worked on advanced piano techniques for playing Bach, focusing on hand independence, precise fingering, and intentional touch through methods like 'planting.' They analyzed specific measures, addressing challenges in complex passages and exploring strategies for more fluid and controlled playing, with a plan to continue refining these techniques.
Independent Hand Practice & Auditory Visualization
Intentional Fingering and 'Planting' Technique
Canon and Counterpoint in Musical Structure
Complex Positioning and Hand Efficiency
Staccato Practice for Rhythmic Precision
The student and tutor reviewed complex rhythmic notation and piano fingering techniques, particularly for challenging chord shapes. They also discussed musical interpretation, focusing on Baroque style, and introduced new pieces for practice, including an exploration of Bach's substitution fingerings.
Rhythmic Interpretation: Syllabic vs. Rhythmic Grouping
Fingering Techniques: Substitution and Optimization
Musicality and Interpretation: Beyond the Notes
Key Signatures and Circle of Fifths
The tutor and student discussed challenges in piano practice and introduced new technical exercises focusing on scales and a specific nocturne piece by John Field. The student will work on these exercises to improve hand positioning, control, and understanding of musical structure.
Finger Rotation and Wrist Positioning
Developing Left-Hand Spatial Orientation
The 'Start-Stop' Method for Practice
Endurance Testing Through Repetitive Cycles
John Field and the Nocturne Style
Approach & tools used in piano classes
PDF Sheet Music Libraries
Metronome Apps
Virtual Piano Apps
Chord & Scale Reference Apps
Ear Training Software
Interactive piano lessons
Parent feedback
Weekend lessons
Chat for quick help
Open Q&A
Note taking
Piano teachers on Wiingy are vetted for quality
Every tutor is interviewed and selected for subject expertise and teaching skill.