
Zen R.

Teaching Locations:

About Zen R.
Want to produce, mix, master and perform with Ableton Live? Want to play the drums? Want to be able to DJ? Set up a lesson time to learn and collaborate right away!
Bio:
Starting with percussion and drum set in the styles of Classical and Jazz at Cuesta College for his A.A. in Music Performance. He then moved to the Inland Empire (Southern California), attending California State University San Bernardino focusing on his B.A. in Music and Minor in Music Technology. Currently, enrolled in the M.M. in Music Technology at Southern Utah University. Founder of his own Record Label called, MASS Productions, Elektric Souls, and Listen Zen. He now works with many artists for live performances, music production, recording, mixing, and mastering. Still, actively playing in a Jazz Fusion Group called, “Half-Past." Drum lessons taken with Mike Raynor, Darrel Voss, Todd Johnson, Justin Scott, and Joel Taylor. Tech lessons taken with Scott Vance.
Zen continues his study’s as an instrumentalist with Ableton Live 10 and the Push II, using the Push as a musical instrument.
Hardware:
-Push II
-Launchpad
-Maschine Mikro MK2
-M-Audio Keystation Mini32
-Pioneer DJ DDJ-SX2
Instruments:
-Drum Set
-Piano
-Guitar
-Ukulele
-Percussion
Reviews
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Yo, Zen is the best in the game. Gettin' groovy on the drums as well as in the virtual world. Much obliged!

Dj zen is an excellent teacher for someone like me.. He was patient and understanding when it came to the speed at which I pick up things. (Slowly) He was extremely versatile when it came to the types of music i wanted to mix and very knowledgeable about the equipment i had in front of me. I would recommend him to extreme beginners to people looking to polish their skill sets and add even more. Im very happy with what I am learning!

Zen has done such an amazing job teaching me how to operate Ableton. I was extremely overwhelmed and had no idea where to start and Zen really broke everything down for me and provided me with the resources I needed to get started.

Zen is a wonderful teacher. I appreciate the calm way things are explained & there are no dumb questions! I had trouble navigating my new Mac & even that was okay with Zen. Thank you & looking forward to next week

Calm and thorough.

Zen was amazing. He gave lessons to my 8 year old and was extremely patient, generous with his time, and on top of things during the lesson.
Would highly recommend.

Zen is a true professional! He’s the kind of teacher I’ve been hunting for. He’s so knowledgeable and patient and he makes every lesson fun! He has a great personality and I feel he would be a great teacher no matter what your age,

Awesome!!

Super patient and understands the level of the student!!! Amazing:)


Zen takes his time to walk me through the basics of song creation and ableton. He matches your pace while knowing great segway points into new subjects

Knowledgable guy with solid gig experence. Very worth it.
Chill and helpful instructor! He gives you a good structure on where to spend your time and energy as efficiently as possible

Zen is a great teacher. He has taught me polyrhythms, timing, and playing subdivisions with different note groupings in jazz styles. He also shows up on time and prepared to get to business. Id recommend him to anyone looking to learn drums or Ableton!

Zen is a great teacher and makes online lessons worth your time and money. I appreciate his patience and knowledge in ableton and look forward to more training from him.

Learned some great mixing tips on Ableton.

Awesome teacher very respectful and knowledgeable

Zen knows everything there is to know about Ableton Live production, and from what I can tell he is an excellent percussionist and songwriter as well. Our lessons are thorough and professional, and fun too. He is very passionate about music and art. Definitely recommend!

Zen is on my Tech staff at CSUSB. He is proficient in everything he does. He is prompt and follows through.

When it comes to Ableton, Zen is incredibly knowledgable and has much to offer on the subject. Highly recommended!

Excellent instructor for my child. Highly recommend.
Photos & Videos
17 Photos & VideosExperience
Drum Instructor / Audio Engineer
Jan 2019 - PresentSan Bernardino Teen Music Workshop
Music Instructor
Jan 2018 - PresentTakelessons
I teach Ableton, Drum, Piano and DJ lessons in-person and online.
Music Instructor
Jan 2019 - Sep 2020Richardson PREP HI Middle School (YMCA East Valley)
Instructor for CAPS after school programs (Recording Arts, Percussion Ensemble, Rock Band and Private Drum Lessons) for grades 6th-8th.
Drummer
Jan 2018 - Jan 2020Half-Past
"Half-Past" is a Jazz Fusion Quintet consisting of Sax (x2), Guitar, Electric-Bass, and Drums. @halfpastjazz
Jazz Drum Set
Jun 2018 - Jun 2018Loma Linda University Health
Performed in a jazz combo setting for the Loma Linda University Health Drayson Center Employee Recognition Banquet.
Percussionist
Dec 2017 - Jun 2018Loma Linda Academy
Ringer for the LLA Symphony
Assistant Music Technician
Nov 2016 - May 2018CSUSB Music Department
Operate and maintain technical equipment to amplify, enhance, record, mix, or reproduce sound. Stage hand set-up and tear-down of mics, music equipment, and gear. Help guide performers onto stage. Performance program features a wide range of ensembles such as, but not limited to Jazz, Orchestra, Symphonic, and Choral.
President
Sep 2016 - Mar 2018MASS Productions
Organize, manage, and perform live music events. Write and produce original electronic music. Weekly studio meetings are used for educational workshops, recording, mxing, mastering, and production. DAWs used are Ableton Live, Protools, Logic, FLstudio, and more.
Recording Studio Intern
Jul 2013 - Aug 2014Fast Trax Recording Studio
Used Protools for recording, mixing, and mastering purposes. Set-up and tear-down of microphones and instruments for performers.
Education
M.M. in Music Technology - Studio Technology
Aug 2020 - PresentSouthern Utah University
Music Production
Mar 2018 - Apr 20191500 Sound Academy
B.A. in Music, Percussion - Minor in Music Technology
Sep 2015 - Mar 2018California State University San Bernardino
A.A. in Music Performance, Percussion
Sep 2012 - Mar 2015Cuesta College
Languages
English
Fluent / Native Proficiency
Spanish
Limited Proficiency
Certifications
Exploring Ethics in School-Age Care: Focus on a Professional Code of Ethics
Apr 2020San Bernardino Unified School District
CPR/First-Aid/AED
Mar 2019Red Cross
Campus Leaders
Jan 2018CSUSB - Student Success
Background Check
Dec 2017Takelessons
Awards
Superior Rank
Apr 2018Reno Jazz Festival
Top Five Jazz Combo
May 2014Cuesta College Jazz Program
Affiliations
National Association of Music Merchants
Jan 2018Percussive Arts Society, The
May 2017Let Our Student Counselors Help You
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