
Zachary W.

Teaching Locations:

About Zachary W.
I am a trained jazz pianist but I love many different styles of music. I grew up in the Portland, OR area, did my undergrad studies in Utah, and moved to Arizona to do my masters degree at ASU. I am now pursuing a PhD in musicology at ASU. I have played in many different types of bands as well as played solo piano professionally. Whatever type of music you enjoy, I hope to be able to help you learn to play it.
*** Lesson Details ***
I teach students of all levels. Whatever experience you have, we will work with. I believe that it is important to learn how to play by ear as well as read written music. Understanding both approaches, you will be able to play almost any kind of music in a solo as well as a group setting. Depending on your experience, I can find suitable projects that will help you to develop your skills.
*** Studio Equipment ***
I teach at my home in North Phoenix on an acoustic piano. For online lessons, I can set things up so you can have a keyboard view.
*** Travel Equipment ***
I expect my students to have a piano/keyboard if I go to their house. The only other equipment required is a notebook for me to write in and any music you want to learn. It is also very helpful to have a home computer for learning music by ear but this is not essential.
*** Specialties ***
Jazz, Classical, Pop, Rock, Country, Church music styles etc.
Playing by ear and improvising.
Reviews
Write a Review
Excellent teacher who is willing to reach students where they are at. Also great a communicating.

My first lesson and am very much looking forward to more. He understands where I'm at and what I want and need.


My son says he likes how Zach is very good with words. Good communicator!

First Lesson with Zach was great. Very knowledgeable and helpful, was more than willing to help me learn a tune I was working on.

I have had a great time learning to play the piano. Fun to work with, will help with what kind of style you are looking to play while still teaching the basics which helps keep interest and motivation.

Zach is patient, knowledgeable, and easy going. He taylors the teaching fairly well to what you want to learn.

Zach is teaching our seven-year-old son, Ben, the piano. He's been working with Ben for seven months, now. Zach is kind and incredibly patient. He is encouraging by default. Ben looks forward to his lessons. Zach seems to match Ben's pace, pushing him forward when it's appropriate and reviewing material when it's clear that Ben is not ready. Zach began with familiar tunes, without sheet music, and Ben was proud of his early accomplishments at each step. Now that they're into reading music (using a Disney fake book), Ben feels comfortable and engaged. Zach is a graduate student, and he's on a student schedule (at least for now), which means scheduling lessons around the academic year--an approach that works well for us. It also means that we had the chance to see one of Zach's recitals at ASU, and that was inspirational for our own young pianist (and his dad). Ben and I recommend him highly.
Highly Recommended
When I went looking for a piano teacher, I was looking for someone who wasn't too rigid so I'd have the flexibility to work on the type of music I enjoy listening to. I mean...who wants to play songs they don't like in the first place?! Zach is a great listener, is very technical, and can work with a student in a way that best suits their goals. He is very pragmatic, and as an adult student this is very important. I've learned a lot more than I expected at this point.
Great teacher, great person
When I went looking for a piano teacher, I was looking for someone who wasn't rigid so I'd have the flexibility to work on the type of music I enjoy listening to. I mean...who wants to play songs they don't like in the first place?! Zach is a great listener, is very technical, and can work with a student in a way that best suits their goals. He is very pragmatic, and as an adult student this is very important. I've learned a lot more than I expected at this point.
Photos & Videos
12 Photos & VideosExperience
Instructor
Sep 2018 - PresentArizona State University
Teaching music appreciation courses for ASU in both online and in person formats.
Instructor
Sep 2018 - PresentMaricopa Community Colleges
I teach a variety of classes at the local community colleges including: jazz combos, jazz big band, aural proficiences (learning to sing and hear different rhythms and melodies by ear), group piano skills, and history of jazz and American popular music.
Private Instructor
Apr 2015 - PresentDesert Ridge Music Academy
I teach private piano lessons at Desert Ridge Music Academy. Students range from very young to adults with a wide range of experience, musical interests, and goals. I always try to provide them with a solid foundation and help them learn to play music that they enjoy.
Class Piano Teacher, Teaching Assistant, Jazz Combo Coach, and Private Instructor
Sep 2013 - PresentArizona State University
I have worked as a TA at ASU for the past two years while working on my masters degree. I am now beginning a PhD in musicology and will be continuing to teach class piano with a jazz focus as well as assisting with musicology courses.
Teaching Assistant and Private Instructor
Sep 2012 - Apr 2013Brigham Young University
I worked as a teaching assistant for a jazz history class grading papers, leading review sessions, and coordinating media for classes. I also taught jazz piano lessons to BYU students who were not enrolled as jazz majors.
Education
Musicology PhD
Jul 2015 - PresentArizona State University
Jazz Performance MM
Sep 2013 - May 2015Arizona State University
Jazz Studies BM
Jun 2006 - Apr 2013Brigham Young University
Languages
Spanish
Professional Proficiency
Awards
Kenton O Smith Traditional Jazz Scholarship
Feb 2012Sacramento Traditional Jazz Society
Let Our Student Counselors Help You
We can match you with the perfect teacher and take care of all your scheduling needs.
- {{ subject.value }}