Phil's Music

Introduction: I am a stylistically versatile musician, performer, and educator with over thirty years of teaching and performing experience. I have advanced skills on piano, clarinet, and saxophone and have extensive background in all three as a performer and teacher. In addition to permanent certification as a music teacher in NY State, I have a Bachelors degree in Music Education from the Indiana University School of Music as well as a Masters Degree in Music Education from the University of North Texas. I have studied and performed jazz, classical, pop, rock, blues, and country music. Warm and engaging are words people use to describe my personality in both performing and teaching environments. My performance experience includes playing piano/keyboards, saxophone, and clarinet, as well as singing lead and harmony vocals, in a variety of bands and styles. At times, I also work as an energetic band leader, dynamic master of ceremonies, or solo vocalist/pianist. I teach piano, clarinet and saxophone using motivational techniques which help to develop strong playing technique, expressive musicianship, sight-reading skills, as well as knowledge of music theory and improvisation. Lessons are never dull but fun and exciting, taught with humor and personality, leading to joy and fulfillment through musical expression. I am very eclectic and open to all styles of music; not afraid to motivate and engage students through music that interests them. The use of colorful graphic images, as well as audio and video recordings of professional musicians help lead to understanding of the many musical concepts students must learn on their way to learning to play a musical instrument at a high level. Instruction also supports preparation for the NYSSMA Solo Festival where needed.