Phil Snyder
Visiting Assistant Professor of Music and Humanities

Guitarist Phil Snyder began his classical music studies on cello at the age of six, but his discovery of the guitar ten years later led to his exposure to a variety of styles including jazz, folk, and rock music. In 2003, he earned the degree of Doctor of Musical Arts in Guitar Performance from the University of Georgia studying under John Sutherland. Dr. Snyder has won several awards, including the state level of MTNA’s Concerto Competition, South Carolina’s National Federation of Music Clubs Competition, and the University of Georgia’s annual Concerto Competition. Also, as a participant in the Christopher Parkening Master Class from the years 1996-2000, he was chosen by his peers to represent the class in a final recital for three consecutive years. Dr. Snyder is an active performer with the classical guitar ensemble, the Georgia Guitar Quartet. The group tours the United States and has released three albums. Dr. Snyder’s arrangements for the Quartet include music of Johannes Brahms, Antonio Vivaldi, Frederic Chopin, Darius Milhaud, Alberto Ginastera, and Paul Simon. As a cellist, he has performed with several touring groups including ARCO Chamber Orchestra, directed by renowned violinist Levon Ambartsumian, and the UGA Contemporary Ensemble, directed by composer Lewis Nielson. Dr. Snyder also held the position of first chair in the University’s Chamber Orchestra during its 1997 concert tour of Italy.