Strings

Cello & Guitar

Philip Snyder

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1 hour lessons

45 minute lessons

30 minute lessons

Dr. Philip Snyder is a cellist and classical guitarist. He is a founding member of two critically acclaimed chamber music ensembles, the Georgia Guitar Quartet (GGQ) and Revien, and has toured the nation with both groups.  Equally at home on guitar and cello, Snyder’s rare ability to perform at an exceptional level on both instruments is often showcased in a single concert, as he is capable switching between them onstage. He studied with guitar pedagogue John Sutherland and cellist David Starkweather, and holds a Doctorate in Guitar Performance and a Master’s in Cello Performance from the University of Georgia.  He has also studied cello privately or in masterclass settings with David Geringas, Mariah Ahn, Mark Summer, Wendy Warner, and Martin Gueorguiev.  On guitar he has studied in masterclass settings with Christopher Parkening, Manuel Barrueco, Scott Tennant, The Romeros Quartet, and John Duarte.

Dr. Snyder’s musical studies began with cello lessons from Martha Brons at the age of six.  His classical guitar lessons began at age 16 with David Stephenson and Deborah Rankin. 

The GGQ formed in 1994 and toured the nation for over 25 years.  Revien formed in 2011, a trio consisting of Snyder on cello, and Brian Smith and Kyle Dawkins on guitars and electronics.  While both ensembles were steeped in a classical music tradition, they freely explored music by Led Zeppelin, Radiohead, Soundgarden, The Doors, Duke Ellington, John Williams, and Vince Guaraldi.  All members of the ensembles also contributed original compositions.  Dr. Snyder has also performed with pop artists such as Kishi Bashi, Chris Stamey, and Alejandro Escovedo.

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As a cellist, Snyder has performed with many regional orchestras;  as a guitar soloist, he has performed concerti with the Utah Symphony, the Anderson Symphony, ARCO, the UGASO, the UNG Chamber Orchestra, and the Athens Symphony.

Dr. Snyder’s live performances with the GGQ and Revien have been regularly featured on NPR’s Performance Today.  Dr. Snyder has previously taught at the University of Georgia, LaGrange College, Berry College, Agnes Scott College, and Piedmont University.  He currently serves on faculty at the University of North Georgia where he teaches cello and guitar, and is the Director of the UNG Chamber Orchestra.