Phillip Lester is an acoustic and classical guitarist, composer, arranger, and recording artist . Growing up in Southern California, he began to play the guitar at the age of 12. After several years as a lead guitarist in rock bands, Phillip began to study solo classical guitar. While attending college in Florida in 1980 he developed a program titled The Artistry of the Guitar to introduce college students to the beautiful sound of the classical guitar. He initially presented the program in residence halls and on several concert stages. In the Spring and summer of 1981 Phillip attended Master classes taught by Christopher Parkening.
In 1990 he studied with Windham Hill guitarist, Alex De Grassi. His other musical influences include Earl Klugh, Chet Atkins, and Andrew York.

Christopher Parkening describes Lester as:
" a very fine solo guitarist, His approach to the guitar is both sensitive and intelligent. He is a talented arranger with a gift for musicianship."

"Lester's imagination researches all the shades of coloring the acoustic guitar has to offer."
-- New England Performer Magazine



Phillip has served as a featured guitar instructor and performer at the annual Chet Atkins Appreciation Society convention in Nashville. He conducts workshops on arranging for solo guitar. His own guitar arrangements are published by Mel Bay; his instrumental solo guitar recordings include: Dreamsong, Carols of the Nativity, and American Treasures. His recordings have been featured on radio stations from Portland, Oregon to Boston, Massachusetts. Phillip lives in Bloomfield, New Jersey and performs throughout the NY/NJ area. He presents his American Treasures program in libraries and historical societies throughout the Northeast.