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 worked with Adam Benjamin, Peter Epstein, Mimi Fox, Phillip Golub, Art Lande, Kevin Sun, Yuma Uesaka, the Reno Philharmonic Orchestra, the Des Moines Metro Opera, and prestigious ensemble leaders such as Maria Schneider, Mark Scatterday, and Frank Ticheli. Having studied with mentors such as Paul Romaine, Greg Hutchinson, and Ari Hoenig, and having been on 15+ recordings as a leader or sideman, Zach has contributed to multiple jazz, classical, experimental, alternative, metal, country, pop, and folk projects. He currently teaches at the University of Colorado, Boulder as a Graduate Assistant Instructor, where he is working toward his DMA in Jazz Studies.
Education and Mentorship
A dedicated educator, Zach is passionate about sharing his knowledge of rhythm, composition, and improvisation. He has studied and worked with Colin Stranahan, Greg Hutchinson, Ari Hoenig, Justin Brown, JK Kim, Paul Romaine, Kayvon Gordon, Art Lande, Andy Heglund, Mimi Fox, and many others. His aim is 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, and metal and hardcore music’s rhythmic complexities. Zach also cites jazz artists such as Kenny Wheeler, Happy Apple, Craig Taborn, and Steve Lehman as additional inspirations.
