Piano Instructor
ABOUT MR. PHIL
Mr. Philip Pletcher is a well known and respected West Michigan pianist, conductor, actor, composer, arranger, singer, and music educator who began picking out his favorite tunes on the piano at the age of four. He has performed throughout the United States and Canada.
Mr. Phil holds a Bachelor of Arts in Piano Performance and Elementary Education from Bethel College, Mishawaka, Indiana. He pursued his graduate studies in Piano Performance at Michigan State University, under Dr. Ralph Votapek. For the past 30+ years, Mr. Phil has taught privately, nurturing students of all ages at his own music studio; Phil Pletcher Piano Teaching Studio in Kentwood Michigan. In addition to guiding and mentoring private students, Mr. Phil has held directorship positions with several musics, community, and religious organizations, including:
St. Cecelia Music Society, Music Director
The conductor of the Shir Shalom Jewish Choir, where he serves currently.
Director of Music Ministries, Wesley Park United Methodist Church
Director of Music, Park Congregational United Church of Christ
Co-Artist Director and Pianist, West Michigan Gay Men’s Chorus
Director of Music, Plymouth United Church of Christ
Administrative Director and Pianist, Grand Rapids Musician’s League & Youth Choirs
St. Cecelia Music Society, Music Director
Choral Director/Organist, Oakdale United Methodist Church
Choral Director/Organist, Burton Heights United Methodist Church
Choral Director/Pianist, Coulter’s Chapel Church of God, in Niles
Mr. Phil is currently the pianist for:
Grand Rapids Women’s Chorus and Schubert Male Chorus
Opera Grand Rapids
Mr. Phil was also a former talk show host of WFGR’s Classical Radio: Guest Conductor Program and is a skilled culinary artist, providing cooking shows that combine his love for music and gourmet cuisine via his work as an independent consultant for The Pampered Chef.
The intrigue of drama and love of music lured Mr. Phil away from an an early start in the medical field as an HHS Certified Lab Technologist, to which he would not return.
Mr. Phil is well known as a star performer in drama and musical theatre productions throughout Michigan and beyond. He has appeared in: Calendar Girls, as John Clarke, Souvenir, as Cosmie McMoon, Don’t Hug Me, as Gunnar, with Lakeshore Arts Alliance; Oi!, in multiple roles Checking Out, as Bernie, 45 Seconds From Broadway, as Mickey Fox, with the Jewish Theatre Grand Rapids; Little Red Riding Hood, as the Wolf, Amadeus, as Antonio Salieri A Dicken’s Christmas Carol, as Scrooge, Souvenir, as Cosme McMoon, with the Red Barn Theatre; and All The Little Children, as Robert Morrison, with Plymouth Players/UCC Synod
Discography credits include:
In Memorium, solo piano, Heart Wings, solo piano, Behold His Glory, with Gwenneth Bean, contralto; Ringing From The Heart, with Nancy Hascall, handbells; and Aparche, with William Bokhout, baritone.
Mr. Phil’s outstanding commitment to the West Michigan arts community includes:
Current Co-Chair, Indoor Classical Division, Grand Rapids Festival of The Arts.
Annual Benefit Concert Coordinator for UCOM, 2004-Present, Michigan
Music Association Board of Directors, 2004-2010
Calvin College Artist Series Advisory Council, 3002-2010
Grand Rapids Bach Festival Board of Directors 1999-2009
Piano Teacher’s Forum of Grand Rapids, President 2002-2004