Zachary Hamilton
About
I have trained classically under world-renowned teachers throughout the United States and Europe, and my passions have also brought me to jazz, pop, hip hop, and folk music, as well as improvisation in all of these styles. I would be delighted to help you learn a new tune, develop the basics of jazz improvisation, or help you prepare for your recital!
I'm looking forward to hearing you play and making some goals. Let's dive in!
Teaching Style
I like to start off with an introductory lesson to get to know the student. We discuss the student's goals, where they stand currently, and what we would focus on to move them forward. After that I try to see my students once a week, though some students have lessons less frequently. My teaching focuses on the science and art of practicing, and on truly understanding technique, with an emphasis on listening.
I care about my students. It's important for them to know that I hear and understand them. The other side of this is that I give them real work to do, and I hold them accountable while still extending grace when necessary. All of my students make swift progress, and this is partly why!
Curriculum
1. Barbara Barber: Scales for Advanced Violinists/Violists
2. Bach Cello Suites
3. Music by Black Composers Vol. 1
4. Suzuki Books 1-10 (Violin and Viola)
5. Kreutzer Etudes
6. Wohlfahrt Etudes
7. Dont Etudes
8. Essential Elements Volumes 1 & 2 (Violin and Viola)
Weekly assignments tend to include technical exercises, scales, and classical pieces of the student's choice. Basic improvisation is also an interest of mine and, I find, a valuable experience for my string students. Students who have goals outside of classical music will have a different focus, though, spending more time on learning by listening, improvisation, and perhaps transcribing. It all depends on the student!
Credentials & Affiliations
Education
University of California Santa Barbara
Doctorate of Musical Arts in Viola Performance
The Royal Conservatory of The Hague
Master of Music in Viola Performance
University of Puget Sound
Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance
Teaching Experience
2024 Adjunct Viola Coach Westmont College Classroom Teaching
2024-2025 Teaching Assistant for Music Appreciation, UC Santa Barbara Jazz History, and World Music courses Additional Teaching
2015-Present Private Viola and Violin Instructor
2024-Present Viola Faculty Santa Barbara Strings
2017-Present Viola and Violin Coach (intermittent) Malibu High School
2023-2024 Viola and Violin Instructor Tribú Global Learning Academy
2023 Viola Section Coach Santa Barbara Youth Symphony
Performance Experience
Orchestral
2023-Present Section Viola New West Symphony
2025-Present Substitute Viola Los Angeles Master Chorale Orchestra
2025 Substitute Viola Boston Ballet Orchestra
2025 Substitute Viola Modesto Symphony Orchestra
2022-2025 Principal Viola Folk Orchestra of Santa Barbara
2025 Guest Principal Viola Symphony of the Vines
2023-2024 Substitute Viola Santa Barbara Symphony
2024 Substitute Viola MUSE/IQUE Orchestra
2018 Assistant Principal Viola Nootstroom Orkest, Netherlands
Chamber
2023-Present Guest Viola 805 String Quartet
2022-2025 Viola & Violin Goleta Quartet (UCSB fellowship quartet)
2023-2024 Guest Viola Santa Barbara String Quartet
2022 Interim Viola Belinfante Quartet, Netherlands Solo
2025 Violin Vivaldi Summer with Malibu