About
My name is Eric and I'm a musician and teacher here in New Haven CT. I studied theory and composition at New York University under Pedro Da Silva and moved out to Portland afterwards. I am primarily a guitarist, but I play a variety of instruments including piano and bass, and I am also a film composer, recording artist and producer. I teach classical, rock, jazz, folk guitar and much more as well as music theory, piano, songwriting, bass and electronic music. I've taught private lessons independently for about 5 years now, and have also taught lessons through Rose City Music Academy, Keys to Life Music School, after school at Catlin Gabel, and Saturday Academy. I have many reviews at the bottom of my page. I love teaching students of all ages and interests, and find it equally rewarding sparking and cultivating a growing interest in music in new musicians as I do doing deep dives into more 'complex' or 'advanced' music with my more advanced students. The primary quality I look for in a good student is a genuine passion for music and a willingness to commit to regular practice / playing. For students who cannot afford the full prices of my lessons -- I DO OFFER DISCOUNTS! :) As a composer, I work independently as well as with local mentor film composer Mark Orton (Nebraska, My Old Lady, Boxtrolls, This American Life, more.) I have worked on and composed the music for numerous feature films and documentaries including a feature length documentary this Spring titled "Chehalis: A Watershed Moment" about the impact of dams on the salmon population here in the Northwest. In 2020 I co-composed the music with Mark Orton and John Hancock to a Podcast created by NYTimes Journalist Patrick Radden Keefe and produced by Spotify called “Wind of Change,” and recorded with the Moscow Bowtie Orchestra for upcoming feature length film “12 Mighty Orphans” starring Luke Wilson, Robert Duvall and Martin Sheen. I also release records under the named 'Kennebec' -- my debut album “Departure” released to critical acclaim on Night Time Stories, original artist label of the acclaimed Late Night Tales compilation series and home to texan trio Khruangbin, Leifur James and Ash Walker. Vinyl and CD are available in stores throughout the US, Canada, Europe and Japan and can be purchased and streamed on any platform. I have also played guitar on a variety of records including Kalaido's 'Moonlit Tales' which has garnered I-Don't-Know-How-Many-Millions (but many millions) of plays on Spotify nowadays. I have more of my work across streaming platforms and on my website here -- EricPhillipsMusic.com Thanks! I look forward to meeting you :) -Eric
Specialties
Musical styles
Guitar style
Has instrument
Years experience
Able to read music
Lesson length
Student's age
Photos and videos
Reviews
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
First I usually need to make sure they have a working instrument and tuner! Then I usually begin by taking time to get to know what students goals are and what music they like to listen to. I personalize my lessons to different students musical tastes and individual learning pace so getting to know these things is where I start.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a bachelors of music theory and composition from New York University where I studied with Pedro Da Silva. I've taught at Keys to Life, Rose City Music Academy and Saturday Academy for years. I also work under Mark Orton here in Portland, who teaches at Berklee College of Music in Boston and Peabody Conservatory.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I usually charge $45/1 hour, $40/45min and $35/30 minutes.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with students of all ages and skill levels -- 6 year olds, 16 year olds, 26 year olds and 67 year olds. I've worked with brand new beginners as well as students preparing for conservatory audition who aspire to make a career as a professional musician.