Meet Zack, one of our fantastic Guitar teachers!
1. When did you start playing your instrument?
I started playing when I was 12. My best friend at the time started playing the drums and I really wanted to start a band.
2. Who was your favorite guitar teacher and why?
My favorite guitar teacher was my high school teacher Mr. Goddard. He was the one teacher who didn’t let me get away with slacking. He always told me when I was slipping and I appreciate that to this day.
3. What made you decide to pursue teaching as a job?
I’ve had many inspirational teachers in my life and I think I just wanted to carry the torch.
4. What is your favorite piece to play?
One of my favorite pieces to play is a song called “City Lights” by Steffen Shackinger. I spent a lot of time on that piece so it’s rewarding to play.
5. Do you play in a band or orchestra?
I play in a band that plays all original music, and I also play bass in an all blues band.
6. What is one of your favorite songs/artists/styles of music, and why?
One of my favorite artists is Randy Newman. Many know him for his work on Pixar films, more specifically “Toy Story.” I love the way he conveys emotion in his music and the fact that he uses a lot of jazz and blues styles in his music. A favorite piece of mine by him is “I Think It’s Gonna Rain Today.”
7. What other interests do you have, unrelated to music?
I enjoy exercising at the gym. I’ve also been heavily into skateboarding since a young age. I think both go hand in hand with music because of the discipline they require.
8. Did you ever think about wanting to stop music? If so, what made you continue?
To me, music isn’t something you can just stop doing. When I listen to music I hear it in numbers and colors, and I don’t think I’d ever be able to turn that off.
9. What is your advice to parents whose children are having difficulty finding or making the time to practice at home?
Find a time in the day to make it a part of their routine just like brushing their teeth. Create rewards for their practice habits and lastly, focus on spots of their practicing that they enjoy the most, because the more the instrument is in their hands, the more they are going to become familiar with the instrument.
10. If you could learn to play another instrument, what would it be?
I can find my way around a piano, but I’d like to be much more proficient with it. I think nearly all of the top composers in the world have been pianists so I find it to be essential. One day I’ll buy a piano and really dig in!
