Dr. Zachary Grim is a classical guitarist, educator, and scholar whose work spans performance, teaching, and research. His performances have included appearances as a concerto soloist with the Pennsylvania Sinfonia Orchestra, and also appeared with during their “Emerging Genius” concert, as well as collaborations with the Newman Center for the Performing Arts, Society of the Cincinnati, Bethlehem Bach Choir, Walters Art Museum, Allentown Band, and guitar societies across the United States. His artistic training includes study with Jason Vieaux, Jonathan Leathwood, and Julian Gray, with additional study under Oscar Ghiglia. He holds BMs in Music Performance and Music Education from West Chester University, an MM in Guitar Performance from the University of Denver, and an MM in Musicology and DMA in Guitar Performance from the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University.
As a performer, Zachary is particularly interested in creating programs that invite audiences into the broader worlds surrounding the music. His work explores the historical, cultural, and personal contexts of the guitar repertoire, with a particular interest in bringing adventurous programming to audiences beyond the traditional concert hall. His performances have taken him to
listening rooms, clubs, music therapy centers, radio, and living rooms, where he combines high-level performance with accessible storytelling and conversation.
As Chair of the Music Department and Director of Bands and Guitar at the McLean School, Zachary has developed a vibrant, multifaceted music program that includes jazz ensembles, rock bands, classical guitar classes, and music theory, combining high performance standards with innovative teaching. His students have earned top prizes in statewide and national competitions and have gone on to study at institutions including the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, Peabody Conservatory, New York University, Belmont University, and the University of Maryland Baltimore County.
A scholar as well as a performer, Dr. Grim's research explores the relationship between music, bodies, and communities. His work includes research on the anatomy and physiology of guitar technique and ethnographic studies of popular music subcultures, particularly heavy metal. He is also engaged in ongoing research into music literacy for neurodivergent learning communities, examining ways musical instruction can become more accessible and meaningful for diverse learners.
When he is not performing or teaching, Zachary enjoys cooking and fitness. He also coaches varsity baseball and cross country at the McLean School, bringing the same energy and commitment to mentoring students as he does to the stage. A passionate Philadelphia sports fan, he can often be found rooting for the Eagles and the Phillies on the weekends.