Zachary Sweet
Cello
Zachary Sweet is a registered Teacher Trainer with the Suzuki Association of the Americas. He is currently an instructor of cello at Nazareth College, Binghamton University, and on the faculties of Ithaca Talent Education and Music Together of Ithaca. Nationally, he is in demand as a clinician having lead workshops, masterclasses and institutes across the United States and Canada.
He performs extensively throughout the Tri-State area as soloist, chamber musician and orchestral player. Zachary is a core member with Cayuga Chamber Orchestra, the Society for New Music, and with the Nazareth Piano Trio. A highlight in the 2023-24 year is a solo appearance at the New York State School Music Association conference in December. He completed a masters degree in performance and literature at the Eastman School of Music in 2006; in that time he was also a fellow at the Aspen Music Festival. During his studies at Eastman, he became a member of the Eastman Chamber Society, acted as principal of Eastman Philharmonia, Eastman Chamber Orchestra, and Eastman Opera Orchestra, and studied chamber music with the Ying Quartet, Elinore Freer, Dr. Jean Barr, Richard Kilmer, and Dr. Kenneth Grant. His principal instructors have been Alan Harris, Kathy Kemp and Carol Vizzini.
As an educator, Zachary has spent the past 17 years exploring music development in young children. In 2009, he completed a long-term training program in Talent Education at the School for Strings with Pamela Devenport. Since then he has continued training with Tanya Carey, Carey Cheney, Sally Gross, Carey Beth Hockett, and Rick Mooney.
In addition, Zachary is in demand as a Music Together Instructor, leading classes for Mixed Ages, Babies, Big Kids and Pre-Schools. In January, 2015, Zachary was awarded Music Together Certification Level II status, having demonstrated outstanding achievement in teaching, musicianship, program philosophy, and parent education. The award was granted by the Center for Music and Young Children in Princeton, NJ, Kenneth K. Guilmartin, Found/Director.
Zachary plays the 2001 "Willow Cello" by Jim McKean and a 1999 Bow by Ron Forrester.
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INSIGHTS
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What made you take up your instrument as a child?
I saw the Berlin Philharmonic play the Verdi Requiem and fell in love!
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Why do you continue to perform?
The stage remains one of my favorite places to be.
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What inspires you to make music?
Friends, good music, and an audience.
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What makes playing in an orchestra so special?
I love the complex blend of stand partner, section and orchestra interpreting at the same time.
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What is special about the CCO, to you?
I love the local support of the arts. The audience is so committed and so engaged compared to other orchestras I’ve played for.
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