Born in Schenectady, NY and raised in Saratoga Springs, NY, Philip Tappan premiered and conducted his first composition at the age of 14 with the Saratoga Springs High School Orchestra. Starting his studies in music composition at the Catholic University of America, he completed his undergraduate studies at Messiah College, where he earned his B.A. in music composition.

     In 2008, Philip won the post of Graduate Assistant of Orchestras and Orchestral Conducting at the State University of New York at Fredonia (SUNY Fredonia) and completed his Masters in Music (orchestral conducting performance) in 2010. At SUNY Fredonia, Philip conducted the university’s Training Orchestra, assistant conducted the Chamber and College Symphony Orchestras as well as the Hillman Opera and organized yearly composer readings. Whilst studying conducting closely with Dr. David Rudge, Philip also taught one section of basic-undergraduate conducting per semester, played continuo in the Chamber Orchestra and was a sought after jazz pianist in local venues. Philip has previously studied conducting with Dr. Timothy Dixon, Murray Sidlin & Colin Metters.