I have been teaching all my life because that is what I love to do. These are some highlights from my career.
Heidi Castelman Award for Excellence in teaching chamber music 1993
Vasta teacher of the year 1989
Chamber ensembles invited to perform for MENC 1996, 1994
Orchestras invited to perform for MENC 1992, 1993, 2000
Ensembles invited to Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition 1991-1999, 2001
Sigma Quartet from TJHSST win third prize, Fischoff 1993
My website is www.phyllisplotkinpiano.com if you really want an in-depth look at my philosophy about my teaching, methods and goals for my students.
But, I'll say here, that each student is very different in how they learn, and I try to adapt what I do according to their age, interest and needs.
If the student is young, I like the parents to be part of what's going on, so they can help their child at home.
I come from a very musical family of professional musicians. I began teaching in public schools in 1961 and continue today. I began playing string bass in the 5th grade and have never stopped. I have played in many orchestras, performed in the pit for so many shows, play in jazz and pop groups, R & R, classical etc. You name it, I play it. I have owned my own school, K - 9 grades for over 30 years and work very well with children. All three of my children are musicians.
David Schofield serves as Music Director at St. Francis Lutheran Church and Organist for St. Savior's Anglican Community in San Francisco. He continues his work as General Editor of the NDC Editions for C.F. Peters Corporation www.ndceditions.com, which provides scores of the renaissance repertory for modern usage.
ONDINE YOUNG (violin/viola) is currently teaching at Crowden/CCMC, St. David's, Tehiyah, and other local schools, and has recently been choir director, chamber-music coach and musicianship instructor at the Crowden School of Music and a conductor for the San Francisco Boys' Chorus. Previously, she headed the choral program at the University of San Diego. Ondine completed a doctoral degree at the University of Southern California, studying Choral Conducting and Early Music Performance.
I have played and taught clarinet in the Bay Area since 1974. I actively perform in chamber concerts and recitals. I teach piano at Ohlone College. I enjoy working with students. I have no method, but I try to determine the talents and needs of each individual and to address them.
Violist/violinist KC Still is active as a teacher and performer. She is currently on the faculty at The Crowden Center as a Suzuki and Traditional violin/viola teacher, and teaches at her Home Studio in Albany, CA. She teaches all ages and abilities, but specializes in working with children. Since moving to the Bay Area, she has been on the faculty of the Napa Valley Language Academy, Sycamore Strings Academy in Livermore, and Holy Names University in Oakland. She is a member of the board of SANC, the Suzuki Association of Northern California.
Yefim Maizel has directed and assisted in the former Soviet Union, in Europe, in Japan and in the United States at the Metropolitan Opera, San Francisco Opera, Washington Opera, Kirov Opera, Wexford Opera Festival, Saito Kinen Festival and Opera Santa Barbara. Since 1999, Mr. Maizel has worked as a Guest Stage Director for the Metropolitan Opera where, among other productions, in 2004 he directed Madama Butterfly with Placido Domingo conducting. He also directed The Merry Widow at the Opera Santa Barbara and Little Women, The Impresario and the U.S. Premier of Handel's "Silla" for BASOTI.
I am an active performer and teacher with a large class of private students as well as students at The San Francisco Conservatory of Music.
I have played and recorded with Jefferson Starship, Sly and the Family Stone, Mickey Hart, Jerry Garcia, Robert Hunter, The Grateful Dead, and many others. I am currently playing bass in the Mill Valley Philharmonic, and playing sax and bass free lance. I am also a composer and arranger.