John Philipps, Piano

John Philipps graduated as a piano performance major from Cleveland State University, where he studied under the guidance of pianists Angelin Chang, Joella Jones of the Cleveland Orchestra and Jackie Warren, Cleveland's "first lady of jazz". He has served as a private music instructor locally for several years, and teaches a handful of private students in his spare time.

In addition to teaching, John is an active performer, regularly engaging with the local music community through diverse musical settings, performing in venues such as the Maltz Performing Center, Hoke Theater at Stocker Center and Reinberger Hall at Severance. He has performed as a collaborative pianist with singers and string instruments, a chamber pianist, a concerto soloist, and as part of various jazz ensembles.  John has experience with many genres of music - from Baroque and Classical era music to romantic composers such as Liszt and Chopin, 20th century composers like Debussy and Poulenc, and pop/rock/jazz music.  His concerto performances include both Chopin concertos, Beethoven's 3rd, and Mozart's 23rd and 24th, with which he has appeared with local community orchestras.

As far as teaching is concerned, his determination is to meet each student where they are at, to cultivate enthusiasm for whatever style of music they are drawn to, and to elevate them to be musically self-sustainable - to have the tools to achieve their own goals.  The lessons can focus on any aspect of musicianship, whatever the student needs or wants, including sight reading, improvisation, technique, transcribing, theory, ear training, or difficult repertoire.  Outside of music, John enjoys a casual soccer match and spending time in nature.