Academics

Philip Swanson

Professional Details

Spring Courses

Professional Biography

Philip Swanson has had a distinguished career as a trombonist, pianist, organist, composer, conductor, and teacher. He received a Doctor of Musical Arts from New England Conservatory, Master of Music from the Eastman School, and completed his undergraduate work at Oberlin Conservatory and the University of Miami.

As a trombonist, he has performed with the Miami Philharmonic, where he served as principal for five years, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Boston Pops, Opera Boston, Boston Lyric Opera, Boston Modern Orchestra Project, and numerous other orchestras and chamber ensembles. He is founder of the brass chamber ensemble Morgenmusik, which features trumpet virtuoso and Eastman professor James Thompson. He performs regularly with several jazz groups including Chamber Jazz Trio and Bob Nieske's Big Wolf Project. He appears frequently in concert as a solo pianist performing his own works as well as his improvisations on jazz standards. He also has collaborated with poet J.D. Scrimgeour, forming the group “Confluence” which combines Scrimgeour’s poetry with his music. They have performed throughout New England to wide acclaim.
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Swanson is an Associate Professor of Music at Salem State College, where he teaches music theory, composition, piano, and trombone. Since 1991, he has been Music Director of the First Congregational Church of Rockport, Massachusetts, where he serves as organist and choir director.

Swanson has written and published numerous works for various instrumental and vocal ensembles. He can also be heard on a wide range of recordings, including two solo piano albums of original works, an organ and trombone c.d. with organist Barbara Bruns, several small group jazz albums, and performances with larger ensembles, including John Williams and the Boston Pops. For more information on his recordings, visit www.swansonmusic.com