Brad Phillips is a dynamic multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, composer, and arranger whose solo performances blend emotional depth with virtuosic versatility. Equally at home on violin, mandolin, guitar, and octave mandolin, Brad’s music draws from Americana, folk, classical, and contemporary roots traditions. Audiences may know him from Patti LuPone: A Life in Notes, where his expressive playing and harmonies earned rave reviews in venues from Carnegie Hall to international festivals. Brad has performed with legends including Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Ariana DeBose, Pat Metheny, Iggy Pop & The Stooges, The Verve Pipe, May Erlewine, Jeff Daniels, Chris DuPont and Joshua Davis. A frequent collaborator and session player, he’s also a respected educator at the University of Michigan and a resident artist at Jeff Daniels’ Purple Rose Theatre Company.

Bradley J. Phillips

Brad Phillips is a dynamic multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, composer, and arranger whose solo performances blend emotional depth with virtuosic versatility. Equally at home on violin, mandolin, guitar, and octave mandolin, Brad’s music draws from Americana, folk, classical, and contemporary roots traditions. Audiences may know him from Patti LuPone: A Life in Notes, where his expressive playing and harmonies earned rave reviews in venues from Carnegie Hall to international festivals. Brad has performed with legends including Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Ariana DeBose, Pat Metheny, Iggy Pop & The Stooges, The Verve Pipe, May Erlewine, Jeff Daniels, Chris DuPont and Joshua Davis. A frequent collaborator and session player, he’s also a respected educator at the University of Michigan and a resident artist at Jeff Daniels’ Purple Rose Theatre Company.

Available to hire

Brad Phillips is a dynamic multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, composer, and arranger whose solo performances blend emotional depth with virtuosic versatility. Equally at home on violin, mandolin, guitar, and octave mandolin, Brad’s music draws from Americana, folk, classical, and contemporary roots traditions. Audiences may know him from Patti LuPone: A Life in Notes, where his expressive playing and harmonies earned rave reviews in venues from Carnegie Hall to international festivals.

Brad has performed with legends including Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Ariana DeBose, Pat Metheny, Iggy Pop & The Stooges, The Verve Pipe, May Erlewine, Jeff Daniels, Chris DuPont and Joshua Davis. A frequent collaborator and session player, he’s also a respected educator at the University of Michigan and a resident artist at Jeff Daniels’ Purple Rose Theatre Company.

See more

Experience Level

Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Adjunct Professor at Concordia University
January 1, 2020 - January 1, 2024
Intro to Multimedia Production; Composing & Arranging; Private lessons in Composition & Mandolin
Chamber Music Resident Artist at University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance (SMTD)
January 1, 2019 - January 1, 2020
Hosted guest master classes and workshops on Roots Music & Improvisation; coached Roots Music chamber ensembles; facilitated recital performances
Instructor in Roots Music at String Preparatory Academy at U-M SMTD
January 1, 2016 - December 31, 2018
Teach viola/violin lessons to pre-college students focusing on Roots Music & Improvisation
Fiddle Instructor at American Music Camps
January 1, 2014 - December 31, 2017
Traditional American fiddling, improvisation, accompaniment and arranging in old-time styles
Youth Orchestra Teacher at South Arbor Charter Academy
January 1, 2009 - December 31, 2012
Teaching youth orchestra and string ensemble as part of pre-college program
Private Music Studio Instructor at Private studio, Saline & Dexter, MI
January 1, 2000 - December 31, 2022
Violin, Fiddle, Mandolin, Guitar, Composition, Arranging, Improvisation, and music theory; privately tutored multiple students; alumni have pursued music careers
Fiddle Instructor at Mark O'Conor Fiddle Camps
January 1, 2003 - December 31, 2006
Traditional fiddle, improvisation, accompaniment and arranging; upper-level classes
Fiddle Instructor at Mark O'Conor Fiddle Camps
January 1, 2010 - December 31, 2014
Traditional fiddle, improvisation, accompaniment and arranging; upper-level classes
Special Guest Musician at The Verve Pipe
January 1, 2016 - December 31, 2019
Special guest violin/mandolin performances; live shows and studio sessions
Lead Actor / Guitarist / Vocalist at North Country Opera
September 1, 2022 - Present
Touring production with acting, guitar, and vocal performances; fall 2022

Education

Master of Music in Improvisation at University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2015
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Jazz Studies at University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2007

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Non-Profit Organization, Professional Services