Hey,that’s me!
Zach Howarth is a dynamic percussionist, composer, and educator based in the Denver/Boulder area. Known for his ability to blend tradition and modernity in his playing and writing, Zach has made significant contributions to the jazz and contemporary improvisational music scenes. He has performed and collaborated with notable artists such as Adam Benjamin, Mimi Fox, Art Lande, Peter Epstein, Yuma Uesaka, and Phillip Golub, as well as the Reno Philharmonic Orchestra and the Des Moines Metro Opera. Additionally, he has worked with prestigious ensemble leaders including Maria Schneider, Mark Scatterday, and Frank Ticheli. Having studied with mentors such as Paul Romaine, Greg Hutchinson, and Ari Hoenig, releasing five albums as a bandleader, and appearing on over a dozen recordings as a sideman, Zach has contributed to numerous jazz, folk, country, alternative, metal, pop, classical, electronic, and experimental projects. He currently teaches at the University of Colorado, Boulder as a Graduate Assistant Instructor, where he is finishing his DMA in Jazz.
Education and Mentorship
A dedicated educator, Zach is passionate about sharing his knowledge of rhythm, composition, and improvisation. He has studied with Colin Stranahan, Ari Hoenig, Paul Romaine, and Andy Heglund, and has intensive sessions with Greg Hutchinson, Justin Brown, and Kayvon Gordon. He has also played with Mimi Fox, Art Lande, and many others. He aims to help students find their “instinct” in writing and playing, seamlessly creating music in the moment.
Musical Interests
In his creative work, Zach draws inspiration from the Black American improvised tradition, West African, Brazilian, and Southern Indian percussion traditions, and several other genres such as metal, alternative, and Western contemporary classical. He is particularly drawn to the relationship between current New Music and improvised music trends, the connection between improvised music and one’s inner self, spirit, or psyche, and the metal and hardcore scenes’ rhythmic complexities. Zach also cites jazz artists such as Kenny Wheeler, the Brian Blade Fellowship, Happy Apple, Craig Taborn, and Steve Lehman as additional inspirations.
