Lesson Details
Piano
- Levels Taught:
- Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
These lesson will, in a methodical way, teach you the skills you need to play piano. The only thing keeping you from reaching your potential is starting lessons. Lessons are geared to your speed of learning and needs.
Phillip teaches
About
- Teaches students:
- Ages 5+
- Teaching since:
- April 1995
I am a pianist and singer who started learning to play the piano at age 6, and I love teaching all students of all experience levels. Growing up I competed and placed highly in many competitions including playing with the Symphony Orchestra in my home town of Spartanburg, SC after winning it's concerto competition at the age of 17. In college I took piano from Dr. Charles Fugo at the University of South Carolina and also started taking voice lessons from Tonya Currier and Walter Cuttino. While still in college I worked with The South Carolina Opera company for a season as a member of the ensemble and as Chorus Master.
Professionally, I have worked with different theater and opera companies as a lead actor and as a musician. I have also worked in many different church positions as a musician and singer.
I have many years of teaching experience with piano at all experience levels.
*** Lesson Details ***
I have experience teaching since 1995 while I was still in college. I primarily use Alfred and "Faber & Faber" piano methods for beginners. I teach how to read music, understand the theory behind the music, and the technique needed in a patient atmosphere at the pace of the student. I also teach you how the piano works and the different types of pianos as well as the history of keyboards used for different classical music. The lessons are geared toward the goals of the student no matter what level is desired.
In teaching singing, I will teach you the basics necessary to create a healthy and relaxed sound through technique. With experience singing music ranging from classical to contemporary church music to musical theater, I can teach you how to use the voice in a way that will promote a long time of singing without adding stress to the voice. I will work with any style of music and will give you the technique and confidence needed to become a better singer.
*** Studio Equipment ***
In my home studio is a piano and books with big windows to look out. Pianos are an upright piano and an Alesis Synthesiser. Seating is available for parents as well.
*** Travel Equipment ***
I expect the student to have a piano or an electric keyboard at home for piano lessons. For voice lessons a keyboard is not required but is helpful.
*** Specialties ***
I primarily teach piano in a classical style using either "Faber & Faber" or Alfred Methods for piano lessons.
For voice, I teach all my students to sing in a way that will be the most beneficial to the health of their voice. Doing this is helpful to all styles of singing.
Experience
Musikgarten Preschool Teacher
Aug 2015 - PresentTeach music class for 3-5 year olds
Musikgarten Family Music Teacher
Aug 2014 - PresentTeach music classes for babies and toddlers.
Lead Singer
Jan 2013 - PresentLead singer for the North Carolina branch of the Spazmatics.
Choir Section Leader
Sep 2014 - Apr 2018Lead the Bass/Baritone section during rehearsals and services. Soloist and Cantor.
Soloist and backup Organist
Dec 2007 - Sep 2014Sing solos and play the organ when the regular organist is out.
Chorus Master and Chorus Member
Jan 1997 - Dec 2006I did various shows with the South Carolina Opera Company as a chorus member and Chorus Master. I also worked with Ann Arbor Opera in Michigan on a production of Trouble in Tahiti.
Education
Master of Music
Aug 1998 - May 2000Bachelor of Music - Piano Performance
Aug 1994 - Jun 1998Languages
English
Certifications
Musikgarten Preschool Instructor
Aug 2015Ability to teach the curricula for Musikgarten's Preschool classes.
Musikgarten Family Music Instructor
Jul 2014Ability to teach the curricula for Musikgarten's Family Music Babies and Toddlers.
Affiliations
Music Teachers National Association
Nov 2016The MTNA was founded in 1876 with the goal of advancing the value of music study and music-making to society while supporting the careers and professionalism of teachers of music. With nearly 22,000 members in 50 states—and more than 500 local affiliates—the MTNA is the preeminent source for music teacher support, where members embody like-minded values and commitment to their students, colleagues and society as a whole, while reaping the rewards of collaboration, continuity and connection throughout the lifetime of their careers.
+ Read MoreMusikgarten
Jul 2014Musikgarten is the leader in early childhood music education — for children and teachers. We offer a complete multi-year educational program that helps infants, toddlers, and children develop a deep love of music and the ability to express it. We have wonderful CDs of the songs sung in class, age-appropriate instruments, and parent guidebooks. These home materials reinforce lessons and involve the whole family in the fun. We also train teachers throughout the United States and Canada on how to guide infants, toddlers, and children in developing a love of music with the Musikgarten advantage.
+ Read MorePi Kappa Lambda
Oct 1997An American honor society for undergraduate students, graduate students, and professors of music. There are currently 205 active chapters and approximately 64,500 individual members.
Photos & Videos
68 Reviews
Write a ReviewPhillip is the right teacher for Ben! We are lucky to get the right one on our very first try!
Phillip is a really good instructor! My son likes him very much!
I have participated in Phillip's TakeLessons online Live group classes recently and I have not been disappointed. Phillip takes his time to introduce new material and ensures that his students understand the material. He is very easy going and demonstrates the skill set of what a pianist should be able to do. I would highly recommend Phillip as a private teacher or recommend his TakeLessons Live group classes.
+ Read MoreToday was my first lesson and Philip was an awesome instructor!
Very Awesome person and instructor! Highly recommended!
Excellent first lesson. Phillip is great to work with.
I was a little nervous because I haven't really sung for anyone in about ten years but Phillip is very relaxed and made me feel at ease immediately. I'm really glad I decided to start training my voice again!
Very detailed, class packed with info. Went at my pace! Professional and knowledgeable!
Best teacher ever
Was really anxious as an adult starting something new and different but he put my mind at ease and I have learned a lot already.
He knows what he's teaching and he made the lesson a lot of fun!
great teacher
Phillip was very patient with me, and tried to teach me everything he knew. I could sense his passion!
learned alot
A lot of fun
Great teacher
:)
Awesome
I learn so much.
Phillip is a great teacher! He customizes his approach to what you need and gives you exercises to practice at home between lessons (going out of his way)!
Great Instructor
Much better than Skype - so many options and better visual.
Great instructor
" Thank you so much Lord for this blessing", was all I said when I left Phillip's home. Singing with Phillip today was great, he was encouraging, none judgmental, easy to understand, patient and he seems very experience and very knowledgeable . My experience with Phillip today gives me the empowerment to go forward and persuade my long time dream of learning to sing and become a musician
+ Read MoreWe just had our first lesson and Philip was great. Connected with my son and explained things in a very understandable way. Good balance between theory and practical exercises. Also was excellent at communicating with me prior to the lesson to learn more about my son and introduce himself.
+ Read MorePhilip understood what I am looking for and my goals. He was easy to follow and explains the lesson well.
Phillip is patient, and teaches with clarity.
My sone loved him and was happy and singing at the end so thats a success
Great experience, great instructor. Looking forward to more lessons
Gotta say my first official singing lesson (I've sung a lot for fun and school band I made) but never a lesson per say. And he was very patient, very flexible, definitely one of if not the best tutor on the site would recommend to anyone levels beginner-expert and anything in between. 100%
+ Read MoreAwesome Class!
No comment at this time.
What a great experience! I had my apprehensions about online lessons but it was perfect! No more having to drive them to lessons.... woo hooo!
As usual, Phiilip is very patient and supportive of our daughter taking piano
lessons for the first time. He makes her very comfortable, which is not easy with
a 6-year-old, and she leaves the lesson wanting to practice and learn more.
Our 6-year-old daughter was nervous about her first piano lesson, but immediately Phillip made her feel comfortable and interested in learning. His manner and positive
encouragement seem well-suited to teaching children.
Excellent!!!!
Excellent
Great with kids (and moms). Philip clearly enjoys teaching and is extremely well knowledgable. Thanks for sharing your time and expertise Philip. We are grateful to move our kids further into the world of music.
Thank you for the piano lesson. (Nathaniel, age 6)
Very friendly, great energy
You were a good teacher and I hope you like us. (Christopher Ray, age 10)
Thoroughly enjoyed my first lesson! Thanks Phillip!
Great! funny, comfortable around, and kid friendly.
Jigmey
I've enjoyed learning with Philip. He's a good teacher with a great way of delivery. All is well. Walter
It was wonderful meeting Phillip this morning. I found him to be very welcoming, extremely animated and encouraging. I felt very comfortable with him. I'm looking forward to our time together very much.
Great first experience, Phillip! You are a keeper!!
Cathy
My Son Likes him a lot.He is excellent, He knows how to deal with a 5 year kid even when it is online, nice teacher and totally recommend him.
Had my first lesson today and it was excellent, I enjoyed it, nice teacher and totally recommend him.
Had my first lesson today and it was excellent, I enjoyed it, nice teacher and totally recommend him.
My daughter really liked her first class with Philip. She says he explained everything clearly.
Looking forward for next classes
Excellent !!
Gifted, outstanding and encouraging teacher. As a begining adult student in vocal training,5 I could have asked for no better. I am very pleased indeed. Linda Garrison Webster
Mr Phillip is awesome! He takes the time to build a relationship and connect with my grandchild. He is a foundational teacher and doesn't take shortcuts. He also works hard and is dedicated professional.
Phillip is very helpful and kind to my two kids (7 and 9). He is very patient and encouraging. My kids are eager to take piano lessons every week.
My son has taken piano lessons for several years. He had lost interest for awhile but due to a move we found Phillip. Having Phillip teach him piano has got him excited about piano again. Phillip has gone out of his way to help my son find music and get him ready for a piano audition in hopes to get a scholarship to college next year. I highly recommend Phillip to teach you or your child piano. He is very knowledgeable and talented as well as helpful and kind.
+ Read Moregood experience, considering skype issues but I think we will work well together.
Phillip is awesome, he is by far the best vocal instructor I've ever had!
I'm a 27 year old male who decided to start up voice lessons again to complement my guitar playing. I'm so glad that I chose Phillip as my instructor. He knows more about singing and how to sing than any instructor I've ever had. He's great!
Phillip is a wonderful teacher for children.
Both my boys enjoy piano lessons and I believe it's because of Phillip!
Lessons are going well. Phillip is an excellent teacher.
Feedback for Phillip F.
It has been a pleasurable experience taking lessons from Phil. He is very knowledgeable and has a passion for what he does.