Philip LaZebnik was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; and raised in Columbia, Missouri, USA. He atended Harvard University and studied Ancient Greek language and classics. He was briefly a professional violinist for the Boston Ballet Orchestra, the Boston Pops, and the Tanglewood Festival Orchestra. Along with his brother he co-founded the Chicago Premiere Society. He wrote the book, music, and lyrics for over twenty musicals and plays. He contributed to the writing of "Pocahontas", and recently wrapped up work on Disney's "Mulan" and Dreamworks' "Prince of Egypt". He is married and the father of three children.