Phil graduated from the University of Adelaide with a Bachelor of Music in 1979. He studied piano with Alison Holder at the Elder Conservatorium of Music for three years. He admired Alison’s flair and skill as an accompanist and since then has specialised as an accompanist for choirs, musicals, vocalists, instrumentalists and as a secondary school music teacher for 12 years. He enjoys playing in almost all styles of music.

Working as a music specialist teacher for The Department of Education and Children‘s Services for twelve years, Phil broadened his musical horizons widely as a musician and now enjoys playing in almost all styles of music. He has composed a little as well and admires the song writing of Paul McCartney, Elton John and other modern composers.

During eight years of teaching in Whyalla, Phil was involved with the Whyalla Players in their musicals:

• Fiddler On The Roof (1981) chorus
• My Fair Lady (1982) chorus
• Godspell (1983) chorus
• Camelot (1984) pianist
• Chicago (1985) pianist/repetiteur
• The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas (1986) pianist/repetiteur
• A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum (1987)-

Musical Director/Conductor

• [pianist / repetiteur for “The Met” production in Adelaide of the ‘Forum musical in 1995]
• South Pacific (1988) Conductor

The last three productions for the Whyalla Players were produced in the then new Middleback Theatre.

During his career Phil has accompanied soloists – instrumental and vocal.
He has also musically directed a few school musicals.

Since Whyalla Players, Phil has been involved with

• The Metropolitan Theatre Company, 1995 as repetiteur.
• Accompanist for the Public Primary Schools Music Festival, 1996 – 2001
• Accompanist for the Australian Youth Choir, Adelaide Southern Branch, 1997 – 2000
• St. Judes Players, 2013 Musical Director “A Chorus of Disapproval”