What Students Say
Chris Kildegaard
I have been working with Phyllis for several years. I started taking
piano in the second grade and I really enjoy it. She's always friendly
and welcoming when I walk in the door. She always tries to make sure I
understand concepts and explains them in a good way. Phyllis is a great
teacher who fills you with music.
Anja Webster
Phyllis Plotkin's positive and patient teaching method has helped my
daughter find her hidden potential and truly enjoy music.
Celeste R. Smith
I have been a piano student of Phyllis Plotkin for nearly two years.
Phyllis is thorough yet patient, prepared yet flexible. I voice the melody
of a piece I would like to learn--Phyllis produces the sheet music at a
skill level appropriate for me. Age wise I am an older student, so Phyllis
knows I am not "going to Carnegie Hall," yet in no way does that seem to
diminish her expectations with regard to helping me reach my full
potential.
I have enjoyed every lesson; more importantly, I have gained in ability at
every lesson. Phyllis has guided me through to proficiency with pieces
which, at my first glance, appeared too difficult for me. Phyllis is a
great piano teacher!
Avi Hadad
I have been a student of Phyllis' for more than 5 years. She is truly a
gifted teacher, musician and pianist. I can tell you that she is very
passionate about her teaching and it shows in my progress. As a musician
(guitarist) myself for the last 15 years, I can tell you that she really
cares for me to learn.
And by the way, she is a great person to know and learn from. I've always
told her that my lessons were some sort of therapy for me. I feel like I
have 45 minutes every week that are all mine and all about me.
Ted Kildegaard
Phyllis has been teaching my son, Chris, now 13, for five years. She
instils knowledge, musicianship, and confidence. She makes it interesting
for Chris and adjusts to his learning style and his taste in music. If we
have concerns, such as Chris' practice schedule (or lack therof), we can
talk with Phyllis about them. She listens and helps us come up with
solutions. The twice-yearly recitals give students an opportunity to
perform end enjoy their accomplishments, and they give us, parents and
family members, a chance to enjoy and appreciate the students' progress.
Early on I sat in and observed some of Chris' lessons, and I have talked
with Phyllis from time to time about his progress. My observation is that
Phyllis is an experienced teacher who enjoys working with children. Her
patient, thorough approach encourages success.
Karen Eagan
I have been taking piano lessons with Phyllis Plotkin for 13 years. The
time has gone by so quickly; it is hard to imagine that we have been
working together for this long. Phyllis takes her teaching and her
students very seriously. She wants her students to continue to improve and
she challenges us to play more complicated, demanding pieces. We can not
be sloppy. Once we know a piece fairly well, then we do the work of
refining, listening for meaning and putting the meaning into our fingers.
It's quite wonderful when a piece comes together and sounds musical. Twice
a year six or seven of Phyllis' adult students have a workshop. We play
for each other, encouragingly "critique" our playing and often follow with
a glass of wine and some fine cheese.
Julie Scheff
I recently wrote Phyllis a Valentine to tell her how much I appreciate her
sharing her love of music with me as my teacher. For the past two years,
Phyllis has sat beside me as she has helped me to master learning the piano
as an adult student. She really encourages me. I love the fact that she
sets up recitals so I learn to perform for others and push myself to conquer
a piece of music. I look forward to every lesson.