Dr. Phillips began his musical studies at age 5 with his mother as his first teacher. His curiosity lead him to study the French horn as well. This led him to attend the University of Cincinnati CCM as a double major in piano and French horn where he graduated with a BM and MM in piano performance. He later changed careers and studied Medicine at the University of North Carolina followed by a residency in anesthesia at the Duke University Medical Center. After moving to Dayton, OH he practiced Medicine for 25 years. When he decided to retire he moved to Charlotte NC.