Phyllis has been teaching privately for over 30 years. She began her study of piano in Charlotte with Mrs. Karr, State President of the North Carolina Federation of Music Clubs. Phyllis participated in the Federation Festivals and Forum Auditions throughout her musical education with Superior ratings. She also played clarinet for 12 years in the school symphonic band, marching band and orchestra.
Phyllis was awarded music scholarships from the American Society of Composers and Publishers and the Presser Foundation to continue her musical education at Appalachian State University where she studied with Annette Burkhart, Walt Cole, Sandra Robertson, Kathleen Rountree and Dr. Allen Kindt. During her time at ASU, she taught at the renowned Canon Music Camp for two years and taught class piano for ASU.
After graduating summa cum laude from ASU, Phyllis attended UNC-G to work on her Masters Degree. While working on her thesis of evaluating the teaching methodologies on the market, she met and interviewed Jane Bastien and her daughters regarding their new preschool piano method books. Phyllis was impressed with the success of this series with young preschool children. She took a position as the Music Director for the Mint Hill Baptist Church Playschool where she designed a music program teaching preschool children the concepts of pitch, dynamics, rhythm, and note recognition. She later served in the music program at Mount Harmony Baptist Church.
Phyllis is an active member of the Charlotte Piano Teachers Forum where she has served as Historian, Secretary, Finance Chairman and President. Phyllis’ students are regular participants in the NFMC Music Festival and the Charlotte Piano Teachers Forum Auditions. Many of Phyllis’ students also participate in the Royal Conservatory of Music piano and theory examinations. She holds a Bachelor Degree in Music, Piano Performance and Piano Pedagogy from Appalachian State University. Phyllis’ students consistently receive the highest ratings in Festival and in the NCMTA Piano Contest.