
Phillip F.

Teaching Locations:

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.
About Phillip F.
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. For online lessons you will have a clear view of the keyboard as well as myself. It will be like you are the studio with me.
*** 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.
Reviews
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only one way to describe Phillip as a teacher. "Awesome"

Phillip is one of those people that was born to be a teacher. Very patient, very instructive and very supportive. I would recommend him for all ages and especially for anyone just starting out that wants a safe warm environment to learn a new skill in,


Phillip was friendly, engaging and seems to have a great approach to teaching piano. I'm excited to continue piano lessons with him.

Nicole is very happy to have Phillip as her Pinao teacher!


really kind, supportive, and friendly individual. most certainly the most ideal teacher one can have he really cares about the student and there progress, id give him more stars if i could.




Phillip is incredibly responsive whenever we reach out, gets to know his pupils well and offers continuous guidance and support. He is patient and supportive with our 10 year old's lesson and is able to engage him for the full 45 minute class duration. Phillip has a very professional setup to make this the best possible learning experience, and his music theory, reading and writing music and technical skills make him an amazing teacher


Today was my son's first lesson and he said it went really well; which makes this momma happy. Due to the covid situation, we have been at home for a bit and this was a good change for my son to get to do something else. Thanks to Phillip for his patience and expertise on helping get him squared away for lessons.



It was a fun and engaging session! :)

extremely friendly, social, and an amazing instructor I really ALL OF MY LEASONS with him and would definitely recommend him to anyone thinking about taking up singing

He was very patient and friendly


Very good learning new melodies and new notes!

He is very clear. Has a lot of knowledge and customize songs & piano lesson to fit student need. My 1st lesson I was evaluated and given ibstructions to practice then send pieces that we both agreea on. Everyone would love to hit a button and get there but its not that easy. students have to be ready to put in the time to practice

Phillip has a great Zoom camera/audio setup and is very well prepared!

Helped my daughter with her goals, she was comfortable and very happy with the guidance. She is looking forward to the next class.

Phillip is an AMAZING instructor! We couldn't have asked for a better teacher than Phillip for our girls. Not only is he extremely knowledgeable, but he also knows how to engage and challenge both my kids in a way that suits them. They love him as a teacher and eagerly wait for their session with him. Thank you Phillip

Phillip is a wonderful teacher!

I just finished taking some lessons with Phillip. He is great instructor! I left each lesson with exercises based on what we covered in the lesson. I am a beginner singer and I found that his explainations easy to follow and helpful. I already have seen improvement in the few lessons we have had! I highly reccomend Phillip if you are looking to taking lessons.

Phillip is a great teacher. You will not be disappointed.

Great lesson! Lots of good advice, and keen insight!

Amazing instructor! My kids loved working with Phillip. He is very knowledgeable and encouraging ... Thanks Phillip!


Really good setup for online and very professional. I have had two lessons so far and both are informative and really helpful.

Philip is very honest, fun, constructive. I have grown so much with him being my teacher. If he knows you can hit a note, best believe you are hitting that note! Such an encourager and a knowledgeable musician.


Just had a wonderful first lesson with Phillip! I'm so glad that I took the chance to learn piano online with him, perfect setup for a smooth learning environment, very kind, skilled, organized, and fun teacher to have. I'm looking forward to next week's lesson already!


Hello Philip, only Tuesday’s at 8:00 A.M. works for me.

Great mix of fun and work. Good goal setting.


for sure an amazing teacher, he really takes time to get to know his students, and help them thru whatever they need to work on, and is all around really fun to work with, I would totally reccomend

Really good repore
Phillip was wonderful with my 11 year old boy. Pick an amazing song that showcased his voice very well! Picking the song is half the battle. My son got the part and we will definitely use Phillip again.



I have been making slow, but steady progress with Phillip this year. I received piano lessons from my children as a Christmas gift last year and it made my heart fill with Joy! I cannot imagine anyone else willing to work with me in such a kind, encouraging, and understanding way. He is great with kids, but he is exceptional with the older generation, as well! Choose wisely, choose Phillip!

Awesome! Phillip makes learning the piano easy.
Interesting to see myself, my singing described by him.



My first class with Phillip was simply awesome enjoyed every minute it. Cant wait for the next one. He is very experienced teacher.

Phillip is very friendly and helpful. He makes you feel very comfortable when singing.


First lesson went over really well now I actually know where my vocal range starts and could go in future. which is fantastic.

I am an older student just starting beginner piano lessons online. Phillip was wonderful! He explained everything and moved at a pace that I could keep up with. I can't wait until my next lesson.

AMAZING TEACHER!! he has been such a please to play piano with and learn from thank you phillip

My kids had a wonderful learning time with Phillip.We like the new thing he brought to the kids,about his undestanding of the music,the style of the composers and the skills deal with some certain notes.
Also with his help the kids set up their new goals and were introduced a more balanced training methods and books.We'd like to cooperate with his tutoring to help kids achieve it.

A very supportive instructor and he is easy to talk to and will try hard to help you reach any goal you set for yourself, I highly recommend him I'd give him more than 5 stars if I could

really nice

Very good at explaining topics in depth.

Today was my first lesson with Phillip and I very much enjoyed it! A true professional. He also has an excellent set-up for online lessons. I'm looking forward to continuing with my lessons.

He tailors the exercises to really focus on the needed nuances!

Verbose

Amazing!


Awesome first lesson!


My first online lesson and I can already sense this style of learning is the right fit for me. I work full time and this allows me to do both. Phillip is an easy teacher to work with. Very patient. So far I am pleased. Thanks Kisha

Very good, Start working on breathing and basic skills that exactly I needed. I m practice everything Philip told me. I believe I start at right place. Building my fundamentals. I m very greatful to find a right teacher. Feels like mentor.

Phillip has been an extremely effective and professional instructor, with a sterling personality that makes lessons go by in no time flat. Lessons are well considered, and there's a genuine dialogue about what seems to work and what doesn't. I was nervous selecting an online teacher, but I've been pleased and most importantly musically fulfilled since beginning with Phillip and look forward to each week's lesson.

if you want a great easy experience take phillilp he is great to learn from and has good recommendations

Phillip is enthusiastic and encouraging

great teaching

Phillip is a treasure chest of knowledge


Phillip's easy/going manner makes for a smooth lesson

awesome teacher, even more awesome pianist, I feel totally comfortable and happy with his ability to turn me into as good a piano player as I want to be no matter how high I want to go

Greta teacher.

Enjoyed my first lesson. Great teacher.looking forward for the next one



Best instructor ever! Very kind and patient. Thank you Phillip!

Phillip is a great teacher, kind, encouraging and experienced. He really knows how to make a student comfortable and loving music. He has been helping my younger daughter prepare piano competition online, starting from song selection to now perfect her piece. He is not only teaching her how to play the piece but also to understand the music theory associated with the piece, as well as the needed techniques and practice to master the piece correctly. My daughter enjoys very much learning from Phillip and gradually gains confidence in playing her piece. It is evident that Phillip enjoys teaching his students and knows how to guide them based on their levels. Thank you so much, Phillip!

My daughter had her first online lesson today with Phillip. She was nervous meeting someone new. His friendly patient personality helped her feel at ease as he shared his knowledge with her. Thank you Phillip!

5 STARS! EXCELLENT TEACHER!

he is a really good teacher.

First lesson went well. I look forward to learning more from Phillip.

I love my weekly lessons with Phillip! He is a warm and engaging teacher who works well with older students. He is patient and kind and he always has a smile (even when the notes are clanky). I highly recommend Phillip for the older student.

Very good

I have a better understanding of controlling my voice after taking lessons with Phillip. Where as before I was singing very sloppy lol. Very nice and helpful. Would totally recommend Phillip.

Philip is a wonderful musician and teacher - patient, knowledgeable, talented, and a fun personality!! What a blessing to have found him for my daughter.


Great instructor!

Outstanding!

All that I expected.

Philip is amazing! He is very professional and patient. Definitely recommend him and look forward to more sessions!

I was very nervous, but The lesson was wonderful! I’m looking forward to the next one!


I had a great experience! Phillip was extremely patient and engaging during lessons and very often went above and beyond to provide me with music and vocal exercises.
He has a vast knowledge of music; I learned so much about voice, more than I realized there is to know about singing.
Phillip has an energetic, but easy going, personality and great sense of humor. This was my first time singing in front of someone and I appreciated his kindness and encouragement.
I highly recommend him!!!

He is the the best !! Always providing details and listening to the students

Really enjoying my voice lessons with Phillip. He’s super knowledgeable and will answer any of my questions. I feel like I’m learning a lot really quickly with Philip!





Phillip 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.

Today 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

We 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.

Philip 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%

Awesome 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.

good 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.
Photos & Videos
30 Photos & VideosExperience
Musikgarten Preschool Teacher
Aug 2015 - PresentMusikgarten Studio
Teach music class for 3-5 year olds
Musikgarten Family Music Teacher
Aug 2014 - PresentMusikgarten Studio
Teach music classes for babies and toddlers.
Lead Singer
Jan 2013 - Jul 2018Spazmatics NC
Lead singer for the North Carolina branch of the Spazmatics.
Choir Section Leader
Sep 2014 - Apr 2018St. Paul's Episcopal Church
Lead the Bass/Baritone section during rehearsals and services. Soloist and Cantor.
Soloist and backup Organist
Dec 2007 - Sep 2014Trinity Episcopal Church, Mt. Airy, NC
Sing solos and play the organ when the regular organist is out.
Chorus Master and Chorus Member
Jan 1997 - Dec 2006Various Opera Companies
I 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 2000University of South Carolina
Bachelor of Music - Piano Performance
Aug 1994 - Jun 1998University of South Carolina
Languages
English
Fluent / Native Proficiency
Certifications
Musikgarten Preschool Instructor
Aug 2015Musikgarten
Musikgarten Family Music Instructor
Jul 2014Musikgarten
Affiliations
Music Teachers National Association
Nov 2016Musikgarten
Jul 2014Pi Kappa Lambda
Oct 1997Let Our Student Counselors Help You
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