Choose Plan
Full Hour
Great for older kids & Adults
$320/ Month
1 Lesson per Week
$20 off of the regular price
Half Hour
Great for kids under 6yrs.
$240/ Month
1 Lesson per Week
$20 off of the regular price
+ 1 Free Week!
+ 3 Free Week!
Full Hour
Great for older kids & Adults
$320/ Month
1 Lesson per Week
+3 free Week
Half Hour
Great for kids under 6yrs.
$240/ Month
1 Lesson per Week
+3 free Week
X
TaylorRobinsonMusic.com values the privacy of every visitor. We will never share your contact information or send unsolicited emails.
Phillip S.
Bass Guitar Lessons, Orchestral Lessons
Studio or Webcam
25 Years
About Me 
Availability 
Map 
Media 
Review About Me
Double bassist and violist da gamba Phillip W. is an active and enthusiastic performer of contemporary, solo, orchestral, and chamber repertoires with a diversity of ensembles appearing with 5th Wave Collective, Chicago Wind Symphony, Illinois Symphony, Just Bach, Lake Forest Symphony, New Philharmonic, Northshore Concert Band, Northwest Indiana Symphony, Rockford Symphony, South Bend Symphony, Southwest Michigan Symphony, the Zohn Collective, and many others. In addition, Dr. has emerged among the nation's leading advocates of the viol-the viola da gamba. Co-founding the Chicago-area historical-performance ensembles Black Tulip, New Comma Baroque, the Spirit of Gambo and ViolMedium, he’s appeared across the United States with groups ranging from Aperi Animam, Bella Voce Sinfonia, Black Tulip, the Callipygian Players, Indianapolis Baroque Orchestra, Les Touches, Musica Angelica Baroque, The Newberry Consort, ViolMedium and many others. He can be heard on WFMT Chicago, Wisconsin Public Radio, Milwaukee Public Radio, on releases from Clarion, Cedille, and Varèse Sarabande Records as well as Midweſt415, the newest Chicago-area independent Early Music & New Music record label focused on Historically-Informed Performance Practice on period instruments. Holding Masters and Doctoral degrees from Northwestern University, Philip also teaches double bass at Valparaiso University and North Central College; formerly taught double bass, viola da gamba and viol consort at the Music Institute of Chicago, and served as assistant director and sponsor of viol consorts and Illinois' first public-school period-instrument program at Adlai E. Stevenson High School. Phillip has served on the faculties of the Madison Early Music Festival, the Whitewater Early Music Festival, and is the music director of Viols in Our Schools earning him Early Music America's 2010 Laurette Goldberg Award for Early Music Outreach. Phillip’s online virtual viol consort project-Consorts-Minus-One-has been recognized in major string music publications the world over.
Phillip S. has over 25 years of music experience in the Plainfield area.
Phillip S. is proficient in and teaches Bass Guitar Lessons, Orchestral Lessons .Degree and Field of Study:
Doctor of MusicAugust 2007
Henry & Leigh Bienen School of Music, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
Bachelor of MusicDecember 1998
San Francisco Conservatory of Music, San Francisco, CA
High School DiplomaJune 1995
High School for the Performing & Visual Arts, Houston, TX
Master of MusicJune 2001
Henry & Leigh Bienen School of Music, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
Award Name:
Laurette Goldberg Award for Early Music OutreachJune 2010
Early Music America
What to expect in my Guitar Lessons
Beginner - Intermediate
Each and every student brings a great number of strengths and weaknesses to the table in any teacher-student relationship. I endeavor to tailor instruction to meet students where they are. I work towards an environment of intellectual discourse and critical thinking. The simple ability to regurgitate information is not an indicator of internalizing this information and being able to apply it to create compelling musical performance.
What to expect in my Bass Guitar Lessons
Beginner - Intermediate
Each and every student brings a great number of strengths and weaknesses to the table in any teacher-student relationship. I endeavor to tailor instruction to meet students where they are. I work towards an environment of intellectual discourse and critical thinking. The simple ability to regurgitate information is not an indicator of internalizing this information and being able to apply it to create compelling musical performance.
What to expect in my Orchestral Lessons
Beginner - Intermediate - Advanced
Each and every student brings a great number of strengths and weaknesses to the table in any teacher-student relationship. I endeavor to tailor instruction to meet students where they are. I work towards an environment of intellectual discourse and critical thinking. The simple ability to regurgitate information is not an indicator of internalizing this information and being able to apply it to create compelling musical performance.
Formal Education:
2007 Doctor of Music Degree in Music Performance – Henry & Leigh Bienen School of Music, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 2001 Master of Music Degree in Music Performance – Civic Orchestra of Chicago Graduate Fellow at the Henry & Leigh Bienen School of Music, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 1998 Bachelor of Music Degree in Music Performance – San Francisco Conservatory of Music, San Francisco, CA 1995 High School Diploma with Immersion in Music Performance-High School for the Performing & Visual Arts, Houston, TX
Performing Experience:
As a double bass performer, I have served as the acting principal of the Illinois Philharmonic & Elmhurst Symphonies, having performed with many varied ensembles including the 5th Wave Collective, Chicago Wind Symphony, Illinois Symphony, Just Bach, Lake Forest Symphony, New Philharmonic, Northshore Concert Band, Northwest Indiana Symphony, Rockford Symphony, South Bend Symphony, Southwest Michigan Symphony, as well as collaborating with many Early Music Historical-Performance Ensembles including Aperi Animam, Bella Voce Sinfonia, Black Tulip, the Callipygian Players, Indianapolis Baroque Orchestra, Les Touches, Musica Angelica Baroque, The Newberry Consort, ViolMedium & many others.
Experience Teaching:
2025-Present Wisconsin Lutheran College, Milwaukee, WI 2024-Present Elgin Community College, Elgin, IL 2 Faculty, Department of Music, North Central College, Naperville, IL 2 Music Institute of Chicago, Evanston, IL 2008-Present Faculty, Department of Music, Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, IN
Age Group Taught:
- Young Adult Adult Child
Languages Spoken:
- English
Lessons Locations:
- Teacher 's Studio
- Webcam
Availability:
Map:
Phillip S. is willing to travel up to a distance of 25 Miles to teach a lesson in your home.
Media:
Review:
Bass Viol-Cheryl
I have taken lessons from Dr. for bass viol for three years. First in my home, then on-line due to Corona virus restrictions. I appreciate Dr. 's extensive education, which presents during our lesson in a variety of ways. First, in his knowledge of repertoire for the instrument. He is undaunted by any piece in inquire about. Second, he discusses music theory when teaching a piece of music, which strengthens my understanding. Third, he has played multiple instruments, including classical guitar. As I also played classical guitar, this has provided some creative and enjoyable synergy. He also pulls from his double bass technique to assist with teaching the bass viol. Fourth, he is keenly observant and notices subtle position faults, etc., even over Zoom calls! Amazing! Finally, he is patient and takes the long view in teaching the student. He is able to notice what is good/improving even when I am struggling with something. His lessons are light-hearted and positive. Phillip Serna wrote on Fri, 09 Jan 2026
High School Double Bass Student-Ben
His technical skills across his many instruments are peerless, and his pedagogical skills are equally impressive. He knows musical theory, history, pedagogy, and practice scarily well, and he is by far the most fun, kind, and committed teacher I've ever had. I took lessons with him for six years on upright and electric, for solo, jazz, and orchestral work, and I played in Grammy-winning ensembles by the last year. I'm pursuing a music minor largely thanks to him, and he remains the professor who impresses me most. You're going to take lessons, so take them with him. Phillip Serna wrote on Fri, 09 Jan 2026
University Double Bass Student-Jackson
Dr. is a consummate and devoted professional. His guidance is firm and compassionate, and there is not an ounce of musical prejudice in his body. A true musician and teacher. Phillip Serna wrote on Fri, 09 Jan 2026
High School Bass Viol Student-Albert
Dr. is incredibly knowledgeable with a huge variety of expertise. He lives and breathes music and it is evident in the passion he provides in lessons. A super nice teacher as well, one can never go wrong with going with Dr. for studies! Phillip Serna wrote on Fri, 09 Jan 2026
High School Bass Viol Student-Laura
Dr. is such a kind, patient, and super funny teacher. I took viola da gamba lessons from him for a few months during the height of the pandemic as kind of a passion project, and it was awesome! Highly recommend. Phillip Serna wrote on Fri, 09 Jan 2026
High School Double Bass Student-Andrew
Dr. is a masterful musician and teacher who is easy going and tailors the lessons to your needs. He had a vast wealth of knowledge in music and history and could not be a kinder person. You will advance quickly under the tutelage of Dr. and have fun doing it. Phillip Serna wrote on Fri, 09 Jan 2026
High School Double Bass Student Parent-Jennette
Dr has instructed my daughter on the Double Bass for a few years now. He has come to her school for weekly lessons and in-home. She has improved immensely with his instruction. Dr is knowledgeable, personable and is very good at what he does. Phillip Serna wrote on Fri, 09 Jan 2026
