Biography

          Andrew Synowiec picked up the guitar at eight years old and hasn't put it down since.  Born and raised outside of Washington D.C. in Annapolis, MD, Andrew gained a solid musical foundation through studying classical guitar, a tradition he continues to this day.  Soon he was leading Rock bands in clubs around the city before he was old enough to be allowed in the front door.  He even won the "Audience Choice" Award in the local "Hot Licks" Guitar Contest at age 13.

          In high school Andrew discovered Jazz and began practicing obsessively.  He was awarded a spot in the All-State Jazz Band two years in a row.  Andrew began investigating music schools and discovered that two of his favorite guitarists, Steve Morse and Pat Metheny, had both attended the University of Miami.  "I pretty much knew I had to go there, but I had applied to some other places as well.  The week I had to make my decision Steve Morse gave a clinic in town.  When I asked him about UM, he had only great things to say.  So that was it!"

          Andrew attended the University of Miami on a scholarship and quickly worked his way up through the program, earning a spot in the school's prestigious Concert Jazz Band.  With the CJB, Andrew performed with Jazz greats Vince Mendoza, Bob Mintzer, David Liebman, Joe Lovano, James Moody, Bob Berg, Jim McNeely, and recorded Maria Schneider's Grammy-Nominated Three Romances. 
          
          While attending UM, Andrew received a Downbeat magazine Outstanding Performance award two years in a row in the Pop/Rock/Blues category for his work with the experimental fusion band Active Ingredients.  The group acquired a loyal following and toured nationally.  In 2001, everything came full-circle when they gained an opening slot with Steve Morse. 

          Upon graduation, Andrew accepted a teaching-assistantship at the University of Miami.  He taught private lessons and ensembles for the guitar department and earned a Master's Degree in Studio/Jazz Writing.  Even with his busy University schedule, Andrew always placed an emphasis on working in the "real world."  He found time to be the musical director for former New Kids on the Block member Danny Wood and toured nationally in support of his solo record.
         
          It was during this time that Andrew became a sought-after studio guitarist and sideman.  He lent his talents to international Latin music stars Obie Bermudez, Chayanne, and Raul DiBlasio, and Grammy-Winning producers Jose Miguel Velasquez, Sebastian Krys, and Julio Reyes.  He  also helped to jump-start the career of young singing sensation JD Natasha, accompanying her all over the country on national TV and radio, as well as contributing guitars and string orchestrations to her debut album.  Andrew's time in Miami culminated with the release of Marc Anthony's platinum-selling album, Amar Sin Mentiras.  He performed guitars for the majority of the album including the #1 hit single "Ahora Quien."  In 2005, the album went on to win a Grammy Award for Best Latin Pop Album.   

          Andrew lives in Los Angeles, California, where he enjoys a diverse musical career as a studio guitarist, producer, and performer. 
 

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