Zachary Sweet

Zachary Sweet is a sought-after cellist and educator, known for his dynamic performances and passionate teaching. A registered Teacher Trainer with the Suzuki Association of the Americas, he is on faculty at Nazareth University, Binghamton University, and Ithaca Suzuki Music Education. His expertise has taken him across the U.S. and Canada as a clinician, leading masterclasses, workshops, and institutes.

An active performer in the Tri-State area, Zachary is a core member of the Cayuga Chamber Orchestra, the Society for New Music, and the Nazareth Piano Trio. In the 2024/25 season, he will deliver the keynote address at the Suzuki Association of Massachusetts annual meeting, tour with Vision of Sound, and present two solo recitals at the Bay Chamber Music Series in Maine.

Zachary earned his Master’s in Performance and Literature from the Eastman School of Music, where he was a fellow at the Aspen Music Festival and a member of the Eastman Chamber Society. He served as principal cellist of the Eastman Philharmonia, Eastman Chamber Orchestra, and Eastman Opera Orchestra, studying with esteemed mentors like Alan Harris, Kathy Kemp, and Carol Vizzini.

Dedicated to early childhood music education, Zachary has spent 17 years exploring music development in young children. He completed long-term Talent Education training at the School for Strings with Pamela Devenport and has continued advanced studies with leaders in the field. A highly regarded Music Together instructor, he was awarded Certification Level II for his excellence in teaching, musicianship, and parent education.

Zachary performs on a 2001 “Willow Cello” by Jim McKean and a 1999 bow by Ron Forrester.