Originally from Orange County, California, Phil earned his bachelor of music degree in classical guitar performance from California State University - Long Beach. He has been a professional guitarist and teacher for more than 25 years, performing his unique style of jazz, blues, rock, and rockabilly in clubs and musical theater from Los Angeles to Seattle.

He moved to the Walla Walla Valley in 2003 and is a band teacher at Walla Walla Catholic Schools and a guitar instructor at Whitman College. He’s an active volunteer for the Walla Walla Summer Youth Rock Camp and The Walla Walla Blues Society. He is a highly sought-after musician and has played in several local bands, from big band swing and Chicago blues to Acoustic jazz. As a teacher, Mr. Lynch is versed in many styles but has an affinity for classical guitar and jazz.