South Weymouth Music Lessons

youth productions, or teaching the next generation of music lovers how to navigate the keys. And while I perform mostly Broadway-style music now, my classical training continues to serve me well; using good technique not only allows me to play more accurately and expressively, it also protects me from injuries that might otherwise arise from long rehearsals and a busy performance schedule.

I'm excited about where my musical journey has taken me, and I look forward to helping you start or continue yours.

*** Lesson Details ***
I'm serious about making sure my students learn basic skills, like reading notes and rhythms and learning to interpret music artistically, that will serve them not only as developing pianists but in any future musical endeavors. To that end, I choose method books (such as the Faber Piano Adventures series) and supporting materials that build a strong foundation of musical knowledge, and I help each student construct a practice schedule that's appropriate to his or her level.

However, although I do maintain a certain amount of structure, I am very patient and relaxed in my approach to each individual student. I recognize that not everyone learns at the same speed or in the same way, so as long as I can tell you're putting in the effort, I will also try my hardest to find what works for you! And I know it's easiest to stay motivated when working on music you love, so I like to supplement the regular lesson materials with music of the student's choice, whether that means offering a selection of level-appropriate classical pieces, helping locate an arrangement of a favorite song, or coming up with our own arrangement if a good one doesn't already exist. And while my own background is strongest in classical and Broadway styles, I'm happy to have students work on music from any genre. One of the best parts of teaching is when I get to learn something new as well.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Malden studio: Dedicated studio with 88-key weighted keyboard, recording equipment, and large collection of sheet music. Parents can sit in on lessons or wait downstairs. Parking in driveway or on street. We have cats.

Bedford studio: Front room setup for lessons with upright piano and stereo. Laptop available to record lessons. Parents can sit in on lessons. Parking available in driveway and street.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I would expect the student to provide a piano or suitable keyboard (88 keys, weighted keys or at least somewhat touch-sensitive, with a clear piano sound). For vocal students, it would be helpful for them to have a separate music stand as well.

*** Specialties ***
In terms of vocal music, I am definitely most comfortable with Broadway-style repertoire, but I have experience with some of the classical repertoire as well. As a pianist I have a solid classical background but am also very familiar with Broadway playing styles; I think I've done a little of everything at this point, so I could adapt to any interests my students might have. I am trained in the Taubman piano technique, which focuses on healthy, effective motions, so I try to incorporate some elements of that in my teaching, to the extent
that I think a particular student will benefit from it.

As for methods: for beginning and intermediate piano students I tend to use the Faber Piano Adventures series, supplemented by additional exercise books (Dozen a Day, for example), simple classical pieces (Bastien publishes a book that I like), or other materials depending on the student's interest and level of achievement (pop, Broadway, etc.). For advanced students I would use different exercise books (Hanon, Czerny, etc.) and focus more on repertoire than method, continuing to teach theory and technique as it comes up.

For vocal students I have mostly stuck to whatever materials/repertoire the student was most interested in, plus vocal exercises to support any problems or challenges they might be working on (e.g., range, vowel formation, learning a healthy mix/belt technique).

s I do not have access to a car, I prefer that students come to my home studio in Somerville, or that they be within public transit options.

N.B. I own a dog, so for those with allergies, it might be best to meet in your own home.

ely,
Phil S.

Some press:

Phil's compositions showcase a variety of ideas and are quite effective at setting up the soloists to explore the various permutations suggested by his tunes. His compositional originality is matched by his incisive playing which ranges from "inside" lyricism to hard edged, riff based, screaming rock and satisfying surreal textures aided by his intelligent use of electronics."
- David Kane, Cadence Music

"With demonstrative technique, Phil is cognizant of the tradition but thinks outside of the box."
-Mark F. Turner, All About Jazz

ame competition's preliminary rounds in both Musical Theatre and Classical. During the summer of 2018, he will be featured as a Apprentice Artist at Des Moines Metro Opera.

Craig is also active in the concert singing world. As a Choral Scholar at Marsh Chapel, he has performed in various Bach cantatas, as well as Handel's Judas Maccabaeus (Messenger) and Bach's St. John Passion (Pilatus). In the spring of 2018, he made his debut with the Handel & Haydn Society and Boston Baroque, performing in Bach's B Minor Mass & Beethoven’s Fidelio.

Craig received his Master’s of Music in Vocal Pedagogy at The Boston Conservatory at Berklee in 2018, where he is the assistant to the program's director. He has a professional affliation with the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) and College Music Board. In 2016, he received his BM from Capital University in Vocal Performance, focusing on Opera and Musical Theatre.

he same time. I hope my student to love music instead of just playing the music.

tly working in different projects (jazz, pop, classical rock), and is the leader of 2BIRDS BAND, a funk/rock string based band. This band had tours, and gave various shows and clinics in France, Canada and the American East Coast (Boston, NY).
My goal is to get the best from my students, with patience, care and humour, so that they become the best they can be as musicians and human beings! I'm a pretty eclectic artist and love to discover things with my student, regardless their age, level and background! All musics are sisters and it's always a pleasure to teach on one hand classical music and on the other hand, jazz harmony and improvisation as well as rock, pop, hip hop tunes!

the student.

My personal passion is contemporary music but I firmly believe that great technique is essential to any and every style. I look forward to meeting you and helping you to become a better musician!