ACADEMIA
Zachary is on the faculty of California Lutheran University, where he teaches violin and viola, in addition to courses like music history and music appreciation. He was previously on the faculty of Westmont College, and has taught courses on jazz and world music.
At the Royal Conservatoire of the Hague in the Netherlands, Zachary researched, presented, and performed a Master's Thesis on the implementation of hip hop in string instrument arrangements. His 2025 doctoral Document, entitled "The Vocal Ideal: The Bow as an Evolving Voice Through the Centuries," traces the connection between the viola family bow and the human voice.
At the Royal Conservatoire of the Hague in the Netherlands, Zachary researched, presented, and performed a Master's Thesis on the implementation of hip hop in string instrument arrangements. His 2025 doctoral Document, entitled "The Vocal Ideal: The Bow as an Evolving Voice Through the Centuries," traces the connection between the viola family bow and the human voice.
TEACHING
I teach a growing studio of violists and violinists of various ages and levels. I teach in person throughout Southern California, and have reached curious and passionate students online throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia.
Below you can find information on my pedagogical style and philosophy, as well as reviews of my teaching. Click below to inquire about private lessons.
Below you can find information on my pedagogical style and philosophy, as well as reviews of my teaching. Click below to inquire about private lessons.
I love Zachary's teaching method. He is very friendly and easy to understand. He is very passionate about teaching and it shows. I have progressed a lot after only a few lessons, and I will continue to take lessons from him. I highly recommend him :) -Stefan Knauss
I am relentless about my students' successes. My results-oriented pedagogy is ideal for students who are preparing for competitions or college auditions, as well as intermediate students who are looking to expand their technique.
My primary goal as a teacher is for my students to foster a healthy and long-term relationship with their instrument. I tend to focus on mechanics, as I believe a strong technical foundation is the key to musical freedom. My teaching emphasizes regular practicing, exciting yet realistic goals, and a positive attitude that will help students incorporate music into their daily lifestyle.
As a classically-trained player, my students study standard method books like Suzuki, Wohlfahrt, and Kreutzer, not to mention scales! However, it is important to me that the student be engaged in the music they are preparing, so I love to teach pop music, fiddle tunes, and improvisation as well. In addition to European classical repertoire, I strive to teach my students repertoire from a diverse array of composers. Music by Black Composers is a common repertoire collection we explore in my studio, among other works. Read more about this mindset here.
To see more reviews, feel free to visit my teaching profiles on Lessons.com, Thumbtack.com, and Apprentus.com.
My primary goal as a teacher is for my students to foster a healthy and long-term relationship with their instrument. I tend to focus on mechanics, as I believe a strong technical foundation is the key to musical freedom. My teaching emphasizes regular practicing, exciting yet realistic goals, and a positive attitude that will help students incorporate music into their daily lifestyle.
As a classically-trained player, my students study standard method books like Suzuki, Wohlfahrt, and Kreutzer, not to mention scales! However, it is important to me that the student be engaged in the music they are preparing, so I love to teach pop music, fiddle tunes, and improvisation as well. In addition to European classical repertoire, I strive to teach my students repertoire from a diverse array of composers. Music by Black Composers is a common repertoire collection we explore in my studio, among other works. Read more about this mindset here.
To see more reviews, feel free to visit my teaching profiles on Lessons.com, Thumbtack.com, and Apprentus.com.
Zachary is teaching my 12 year old son. He did a good assessment, suggested next steps, and continues to provide me with feedback after the lesson. -Colleen Mullally
Click here for an inquiry form to study viola or violin with me. This form will help me understand your ambitions and needs as a student, as well as determine whether we might be a good fit.
What I enjoy most about my lessons with Zachary is how personable he is. You will not find a more patient or kinder instructor. For me, I decided that I wanted to learn how to play the violin later in life. I have never played an instrument my entire life. Zachary did not make me feel like my new start was impossible and he does not patronize. These are things that I have encountered from teachers in the past. Zachary meets you where you are in your abilities and helps you realize your potential. He is always willing to go the extra mile to help you on your journey. I highly recommend Zachary as a teacher if you are beginner to the most advanced levels. I look forward to each session! If you’ve read this far, stop what you’re doing and book him. -Greg Cassius