about

Zachary Gossett (they/them) is a Durham, NC-based improvising musician who cultivates a diverse palate. As a versatile and in-demand accompanist and backing musician, Zachary has performed originals, jazz standards, salsa, classical repertoire, and contemporary music in a variety of settings, even playing with pop acts such as The Platters. In 2019, Zach was invited to be the Musician Apprentice for the American Dance Festival in Durham, NC. Most recently, they worked as a collaborator for the 2022-2023 North Carolina Dance Festival season. As a composer, Zach has arranged for the UNC and NCCU Big Bands, as well as maintaining their own small group collective. In 2020, Zach was awarded the Durham Arts Council Artist Support Grant, which was used to fund their first recording project: Can't Forget Where You Come From.

Zach earned a Bachelors of Music from UNC Chapel Hill studying under Dr. Clara Yang and Dr. Stephen Anderson; and a Masters in Music from North Carolina Central University under the tutelage of Dr. Ira Wiggins, Ed Paolantonio, and Baron Tymas. While at NCCU, they also enjoyed the privilege of lessons and clinics by resident artists Joey Calderazzo and Branford Marsalis.

As an experienced piano instructor since 2014, Zach has taught and welcomed students with a wide range of ages and skill levels – while also providing an opportunity for composition and theory lessons upon request. While their teaching emphasizes musicality, ear training, and rhythm, a central tenet of Zach’s approach focuses on the physicality of playing an instrument. Their goal is for their students to approach the instrument with ease and fluidity, building a sustainable lifelong relationship with the piano. One of Zach’s greatest joys as a teacher is watching students progress and overcome challenges while simultaneously developing confidence, problem solving skills, and cultivating a rich and invigorating relationship with music that carries through all aspects of daily life.