Testimonials
"I had taken piano when I was 5 but didn't like the lessons much. I remember that I was using the Thompson Piano Course and 'Teaching Little Fingers to Play', but none of it made any sense to me and I just wouldn't practice. However, I've always had a piano in the house and love music, so when I retired I thought I'd give it a try again. I searched the web looking for piano methods and teachers that were appropriate for older adults and ran across the Simply Music program. It sounded like something a 60 year old might be able to do. The Simply Music website listed Phil as an instructor and he was located just a few miles from where I live.
I made an appointment to meet him and immediately knew I'd made the right choice. I wasn't even a student yet, and Phil was answering my musical questions, drawing diagrams, and pointing out how easy and fun making music on the piano could be. I think our initial 30 minute meeting lasted over an hour. Once I started the program Phil was just as generous with his time and knowledge. He's gifted in knowing when and how to impart his knowledge. Rather than force feeding some pre-canned program on a fixed time line, he waits and introduces things when the student needs to know them to solve a problem or answer a question.
As an example, when I was 5 my teacher had me practicing scales which I hated. Phil never mentioned scales until my quesitons and the things I wanted to do required them. Then he introduced them not as a boring exercise, but as a solution to help me achieve what I wanted to do. Now I don't mind practicing scales because they make sense and help me play better.
When I was 5 I dreaded my piano lessons. Today I look forward to them and I think that is mostly because of Phil. He is such a gifted instructor and seems to be able to get the best out of his students. If you want to learn to play the piano, and you have the opportunity to have Phil as your teacher, grab it. Phil is probably the best teacher of any kind that I've ever had and I've had a lot of them in the past 60+ years. Phil is without question the best of the best."
-Lex R. age 61
I made an appointment to meet him and immediately knew I'd made the right choice. I wasn't even a student yet, and Phil was answering my musical questions, drawing diagrams, and pointing out how easy and fun making music on the piano could be. I think our initial 30 minute meeting lasted over an hour. Once I started the program Phil was just as generous with his time and knowledge. He's gifted in knowing when and how to impart his knowledge. Rather than force feeding some pre-canned program on a fixed time line, he waits and introduces things when the student needs to know them to solve a problem or answer a question.
As an example, when I was 5 my teacher had me practicing scales which I hated. Phil never mentioned scales until my quesitons and the things I wanted to do required them. Then he introduced them not as a boring exercise, but as a solution to help me achieve what I wanted to do. Now I don't mind practicing scales because they make sense and help me play better.
When I was 5 I dreaded my piano lessons. Today I look forward to them and I think that is mostly because of Phil. He is such a gifted instructor and seems to be able to get the best out of his students. If you want to learn to play the piano, and you have the opportunity to have Phil as your teacher, grab it. Phil is probably the best teacher of any kind that I've ever had and I've had a lot of them in the past 60+ years. Phil is without question the best of the best."
-Lex R. age 61
"Mr. Phillip is a great instructor. He helps me improve my piano skills every week. Obviously, he enjoys helping others and makes learning fun and interesting. I have improved so much because of him. I am truly grateful for his help. I would highly recommend him."
-Matt, age 13
"Phil is one of the best pianists you'll ever meet. Each week, He teaches a new song, each different and more exciting than the last. I'm glad to have met Phil and do not regret choosing him as my piano instructor." - Aaron, age 13
"Phil is extremely professional and extremely knowledgeable about the piano. He uses different teaching techniques for a variety of ages that are effective learning tools. At 28 years old, it can be intimidating learning a new skill (especially a musical instrument), however I highly recommend Phil for all aged audiences. I find myself looking forward to going to my lessons every week and come home having learned something new every lesson. If you've ever thought about learning the piano, I suggest calling Phil!"
-Lindsay, adult student
"Phillip is a great piano instructor. You can tell that he is passionate and excited about teaching. He makes you feel comfortable and most importantly, he makes learning to play the piano fun!" - Nina, adult student
"Phillip is a wonderful pianist and piano instructor. We love to hear him play at Gethsemane Baptist Church, and we have the privilege to have him teach our children. It's refreshing to have music in our home."
- Parent of students
-Matt, age 13
"Phil is one of the best pianists you'll ever meet. Each week, He teaches a new song, each different and more exciting than the last. I'm glad to have met Phil and do not regret choosing him as my piano instructor." - Aaron, age 13
"Phil is extremely professional and extremely knowledgeable about the piano. He uses different teaching techniques for a variety of ages that are effective learning tools. At 28 years old, it can be intimidating learning a new skill (especially a musical instrument), however I highly recommend Phil for all aged audiences. I find myself looking forward to going to my lessons every week and come home having learned something new every lesson. If you've ever thought about learning the piano, I suggest calling Phil!"
-Lindsay, adult student
"Phillip is a great piano instructor. You can tell that he is passionate and excited about teaching. He makes you feel comfortable and most importantly, he makes learning to play the piano fun!" - Nina, adult student
"Phillip is a wonderful pianist and piano instructor. We love to hear him play at Gethsemane Baptist Church, and we have the privilege to have him teach our children. It's refreshing to have music in our home."
- Parent of students
Most reviews taken from Yelp. Just click below.
http://www.yelp.com/biz/phils-impromptu-piano-school-american-canyon
http://www.yelp.com/biz/phils-impromptu-piano-school-american-canyon