Ocean View teacher shares her passion for voice and piano

Voice and piano have been a passion for Ocean View resident, Phyllis Joyce Hudson since the age of 2.

She derives from a musical family with a brother who was a world-renowned violinist for 50 years. The musical journey that Hudson has been on began in New York with a start at Juilliard and later traveling on tour with an all-female orchestra that challenged the stereotypes of a then male dominated industry.

Many of her students have since advanced to Broadway and beyond.

Hudson talks about her musical journey and some of the notable musicians she had trained.

When did you go to The Juilliard School in New York to study?

I went to Juilliard twice. Once when I was 12, but then we moved back home to D.C. because my mother didn’t want to move and then I went back again at 18.

They made a special department for me in Voice and Piano. That was my specialty there.

I was very privileged to study with Estelle Liebling — she was the most difficult teacher to study with because she was always booked; she accepted me once when I was 12 and accepted me again at age 18 and I studied with her for a while.

My teachers were so wonderful; absolutely wonderful. I loved them very much.

What inspired you to pursue voice and piano at such a young age?

I was a professional by age 18. I come from a very musical family. My brother was Milton Schwartz, a professional violinist for the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington, D.C.

I have been listening to music since the age of 2. Actually, by the age of 2, I was already playing the piano. By age 10 or 11, I was studying voice – classical singing.

Where did this passion for music lead you to later in the future?

I traveled all over the world, actually. I joined the Phil Spitalny Orchestra (an all-female Orchestra); I was a pianist and singer. It was very popular at that time. I toured with them for about two years.

I did opera singing, classical piano playing and when I married, I went to Europe with my husband who was a conductor. We lived there for about five years. In all of these years, I have never stopped loving music or teaching it.

Who are some notable musicians you have trained?

I taught Connie Francis in New York. She was a very famous singer at the time ('50s and '60s); she made a million records. She was a leading attraction for the television show, "Startime Kids."

In all the years that you have toured and worked with high-profile musicians, have you ever been star-struck?

I think everybody gets star-struck. I get star struck by talent. And also the generosity of spirit! The two together makes me very happy.

What is one genre of music that you cannot get enough of?

All classical music. All instruments. Voice and piano is my passion. I find the human voice to be extraordinary.

I was a tessitura. The voice has all registers, but the tessitura is the highest Soprano. It came natural to me. I think you are born with different talents and I was born pitch-perfect. That is something you are born with, you don’t acquire it.

What are you currently doing now?

I decided rather than living out my retirement years in New York City that I would move to Ocean View so I could be closer to the beach.

Although I am retired and up in years now, I teach voice and piano lessons five days a week. Naturally, you can’t do the same things you did in your 20s, but I like to stay active and even occasionally appear in a few concerts here and there.

I don’t think I could do anything else; it is all I know.

There is one outstanding lady that I currently taught. She is very gifted and will be attending the Peabody Conservatory of Music in Baltimore.

She will be taking extra lessons from the famous pianist, Leon Fleisher; he recently performed here in Ocean City at the convention center for the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra. I was invited to go back stage to meet him.

Do you believe that having a passion for something in life (for you, music) is the key to longevity?

I do. I certainly do. Music keeps you young. I think that we are all Peter Pans, to tell you the truth.

What advice do you have for prospective musicians?

I tell all of my pupils that if you are going to do something, do it 100 percent and by all means practice. But, you also have to be devoted and have the talent.

You know the old joke? How do I get to Carnegie Hall? The answer to that is, Practice!

The Phil Spitalny Orchestra

It was a 21-piece, all-female orchestra (1934 to 1954) eventually transformed to a 34-piece orchestra led by conductor and band leader, Phil Spitalny.
The women had to be unmarried for two years. Nor could they date or have male visitors.
The women could not weigh over 122 pounds.
Music stands were not allowed because they took away the uniformity of the long gowns and heels (the required attire) and therefore the women had to memorize every note.
They performed at live shows, on television and radio; most notable was a network radio program, "The Hour of Charm," on Jan. 3, 1935.
“The Hour of Charm” is available on limited copies via https://www.discogs.com/artist/1394664-The-Hour-Of-Charm-All-Girl-Orchestra

Sources:

https://www.otrcat.com/p/hour-of-charm