Mrs. Phyllis C. Calderon

Mrs. Phyllis Calderon is a true musical renaissance woman, dedicating her life to the art of music education and performance. At the heart of her endeavors is A Touch of Classical Plus (ATCP), her private music studio where she cultivates confident and creative students by studying various instruments, including violin, viola, cello, piano, and voice. Through this holistic approach, Mrs. Calderon imparts essential musical skills like ear training, rhythm reading, and sight-reading, empowering her students not just to master the technical aspects of their craft but to develop a deep personal connection to the music and a profound sense of self-assurance.

Beyond the walls of her studio, Mrs. Calderon’s extensive experience and passion for music education have led her to coaching roles with several prestigious organizations. She has worked with string students at Graham Elementary through the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra, directed the beginning string orchestra at Living Word Church and the Apostolic Church of God Youth Music Program, and served as a string coach for the beginning string orchestra at Providence St. Mel High School. Her impressive resume also includes a stint as the String Orchestra Director at Wirt-Emerson Visual and Performing Arts High School in Gary, Indiana, and she currently teaches a beginning violin ensemble through the Hyde Park Youth Symphony.

Mrs. Calderon’s love for teaching was an unexpected discovery, sparked in 1995 when she was asked to lead a summer music program. This moment set her on lifelong learning and growth, leading her to pursue Suzuki violin training with renowned pedagogues like Michele Higa-George and the duo of Mimi Zweig and Rebecca Henry. Her instrumental studies have been equally impressive, including violin with Prof. Marc Zinger, Joseph Glymph, and Elizabeth Matesky, cello with Carol Semmes, and piano lessons from her mother, Gloria Coleman, and later Ann Monoco. She continues to hone her craft, studying voice with the talented Kym Franklin.

As a performer, Mrs. Calderon’s resume is equally impressive, with experience playing with the Chicago Youth Symphony, Classical Symphony Orchestra, and the prestigious CIVIC Orchestra of Chicago. She also enjoys the opportunity to blend her performance and worship passions, frequently playing violin as part of the Vineyard Church Hyde Park worship team. With her boundless energy, exceptional talent, and genuine love for music, it’s clear that Mrs. Phyllis Calderon is a true pillar of the local music community, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of countless students and audiences alike.

Mrs. Calderon holds degrees from the American Conservatory of Music and Liberty University.