It is rare to find a piano teacher who has the expertise and finesse in teaching students of all levels, beginner through advanced. Phyllis Teague is such a teacher and someone we are incredibly proud to have on faculty at Charlotte Academy of Music. We hope you enjoy reading our interview with Phyllis below.
Who was the biggest influence on your piano/teaching career?
The biggest influence as I pursued my desire to teach music was my freshman college piano professor, Annette Burkhart. She instilled a passion for creating and teaching music that I still feel today. She taught me that music is so much more than just some notes and rhythms on a page—it comes to life with the personality of each performer. I continue to be amazed at the different interpretations students can discover as they spend time exploring a piece—opening new doors and expressing the music from their heart. Music is definitely “heaven’s language” for me.
What do you like about teaching at Charlotte Academy of Music?
I was very excited to discover Charlotte Academy of Music had opened near my neighborhood. When I first came by to meet Regina and tour the Academy, I was so impressed with the facility and the programs being offered. Regina has handpicked some of the finest teachers in the area as Academy faculty, and they are so willing to collaborate with each other for the benefit of the students and the Academy as a whole. Any time I have questions regarding music or events, I can always find an answer from another teacher or staff member. The Academy has given me the opportunity to develop a bond with some remarkable colleagues in such a positive atmosphere- I have discovered a whole new “family!”
It is such an advantage to Academy students to have teachers with a variety of teaching styles represented. I also have learned so much from observing, interacting and teaching alongside teachers that are so creative in their teaching methods, and who use new technology to motivate and inspire students towards their goals. I feel that the Academy offers me the opportunity to continue to learn and grow right alongside my students.
The Academy has opened doors for my student to participate in so many new and exciting events. There is something new in the works every month—unlimited performance opportunities, holiday events, community activities, workshops, master classes, and opportunities to play in ensembles, meet with artists, and compose music! I could never have provided so much for my students alone! The Academy has achieved such an amazing reputation and brought an aura of excitement in our music community in such a short time. I consider it a privilege to have an opportunity to work in such a well-planned and innovative music school.
What was the best advice from one of your own teachers?
Do everything technically possible to perfect a piece, and leave the rest up to the heart/soul—that is where music truly originates and ultimately flows from. I have heard performances where the expression was so beautiful that a missed note wasn’t even noticed. I would much rather hear a passionate performance than a perfectly technical performance without expression.
What would you be doing if you weren’t teaching music?
I was born to teach! If I weren’t teaching piano, I would be teaching “something.” I have known since the first grade that I wanted to teach! I would come home from school every day and “teach” my stuffed animals everything I was taught in school that day. It was a great way to “study” and learn my own lessons.
After college, I worked in an office training new employees on our computer programs. I know that it is hard to believe, as technologically-challenged as I am today! I enjoyed working with computers when they first hit the business market. Since computer skills were not a part of my “dinosaur” college experience, it was difficult for me to keep up with the ever-changing computer industry.
I probably would have taught any subject, but I consider it a privilege to be teaching one of the most beautiful subjects ever known—music! There is an unlimited selection of music to explore. You can never grow tired of discovering new musical ideas. Over the years, I think my students have introduced me to as much new music as I have shared with them! Teaching music is the ultimate job—can you tell I absolutely LOVE what I do?!