Oscar Zapata

I am a professional musician and music educator with a strong academic and artistic foundation. I earned my Music Certificate from the Conservatory of Music in Ecuador and later graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Ramapo College in New Jersey. My studies not only deepened my technical knowledge but also broadened my perspective on music as both an art form and a profession.

Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of performing with world-renowned artists, including Phil Collins, Richard Marx, Dionne Warwick, and Laura Pausini. These opportunities allowed me to grow as a performer, gaining valuable stage experience and developing a professional understanding of collaboration, versatility, and artistic excellence.

In addition to my work as a performer, I have dedicated over 14 years to teaching music. I specialize in piano, voice, guitar, and bass, and my teaching philosophy combines technical skill with creativity, helping students of all levels discover their musical potential. My passion for music education is rooted in a commitment to inspire, mentor, and guide each student on their unique musical journey.

My teaching style is rooted in building a strong foundation while adapting to the needs of each student. With children, I focus on guiding them to learn instruments such as piano and guitar from the ground up, which includes music theory, solfège, and the ability to read, interpret, and appreciate music. I believe that by understanding music at its core, young students not only develop technical skills but also cultivate a lasting passion and respect for the art.

With adult students, I often take a more practical approach that still incorporates strong fundamentals. I introduce scales and chords in a way that helps them quickly gain confidence and fluency in playing songs, while ensuring they grasp essential concepts. For my vocal students, I emphasize a balance of musical, technical, and physical elements, working on breathing, projection, pitch accuracy, and body expression. This holistic approach allows singers to develop both control and artistry, making their performance more complete and expressive.