Dr. Zachary Grim is a classical guitarist, educator, and scholar known for his adventurous programs that connect audiences with centuries of repertoire. He has performed at venues including the Newman Center for the Performing Arts, Walters Art Museum, Society of the Cincinnati, Bethlehem Bach Choir, Allentown Band, and guitar societies across the United States. His performances span concert halls, listening rooms, music therapy centers, and intimate spaces, bringing classical guitar to audiences in fresh and engaging ways.
Zachary is Chair of the Music Department and Director of Bands and Guitar at the McLean School, where he has developed a vibrant 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 gone on to study at institutions including Oberlin Conservatory, Peabody Conservatory, New York University, and Belmont University. Previous teaching appointments include the University of Denver, Community College of Baltimore County, and the Baltimore School for the Arts.
A scholar as well as a performer, Zachary’s research focuses on the anatomy and physiology of guitar technique and ethnographic studies of popular music subcultures, specifically heavy metal music. He is also deeply engaged in developing music literacy programs for neurodivergent learning communities, bridging performance, pedagogy, and scholarship to make music accessible to all learners.
When he is not performing or teaching, Zachary enjoys cooking and is a dedicated fitness enthusiast. 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, guiding them toward artistic and personal growth. A passionate Philadelphia sports fan, he can often be found rooting for the Eagles and the Phillies on weekends. Dr. Grim holds a DMA in Guitar Performance and an MM in Musicology from the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University, a MM in Guitar Performance from the University of Denver, and two BM degrees in Music Education and Music Performance from West Chester University.