Graham Elementary Strings Coach
Mrs. Phyllis is a wife, mother, business owner, teaching artist, violin performer, contractor, and author of the book Stop Sitting and Stand.
As the owner of A Touch of Classical Plus, Inc., a private music studio in the South Shore neighborhood of Chicago, she teaches strings and piano and coaches beginner chamber ensembles. Mrs. Phyllis believes that no one is ever too young or too old to learn an instrument. She brings programming to schools and homeschool communities and enjoys performing as a worship violinist.
Mrs. Phyllis enjoys writing, performing with her son, and traveling with her husband.
She holds degrees from the American Conservatory of Music and Liberty University.
What is your favorite piece of music to play?
My favorite piece to play is not known to many. It is called “The Death of an Egyptian Princess” by Chicago composer and retired CPS music teacher Howard Savage. I’ve played it as a soloist and as part of a string septet and string quartet. He is an unsung Black American composer whose music the world needs to hear or at least those in the Chicago music communities!
What is your favorite musical memory from when you were young?
My favorite musical memory is winning first place in a music competition in the eighth grade. I played one of Handel’s Sonatas with my mom accompanying me.
