Linc Smelser, born in Arizona, began his cello studies at the age of ten with Marguerite Rork. He earned his Bachelor's Degree in Cello Performance from the University of Arizona where he studied with Gordon Epperson and received his Master's Degree and Performer's Certificate in Cello Performance and Pedagogy at Northern Illinois University where he studied with renowned cellist and pedagogue Raya Garbousova. Advanced study included work with cellists Marc Johnson, Heinrich Schiff, the Vermeer Quartet, and pianists Richard Faith and Jerome Lowenthal.
Mr. Smelser has participated in music festivals throughout the United States including the Young Artist's Institute at Ravinia. He has appeared as a soloist with the Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra, the Fox River Valley Symphony, and the Rockford Symphony. He has also appeared twice in recital on the Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concerts Series in Chicago. He has won several awards including first prize of the National Society of Arts and Letters Chapter Competition, top prize of the National Federation of Music Clubs Regional Competition, and most recently, first prize of the International Lili Boulanger Memorial Fund Competition.