Zack Knewstub

Jazz piano instruction

Zack is a professional pianist who regularly performs in and outside of NY state.  Born and raised in Ithaca, Zack began studying piano at 9 years old with some of the great local teachers.  He began performing at age 13 and later went on to study music at The New School and Purchase College Conservatory of Music where he had the great fortune to learn from master musicians Todd Coolman, Jon Faddis, Cecil Bridgewater, Joanne Brackeen, David Hazeltine and Hal Galper.  Zack then left school and relocated to New Orleans to work nightly in the city’s many historic music venues.  He had the honor of performing with some of the greatest musicians around including Nicholas Payton, Adonis Rose, Ricky Sebastian, and Jamison Ross.  While in New Orleans, he also studied privately with legendary teacher/pianist/composer Roger Dickerson, well known for having taught Terence Blanchard and Branford Marsalis.  In 2020, Zack moved back to Ithaca and now lives in Trumansburg, NY.  He is excited to become part of the faculty at Opus and looks forward to helping students in their process of musical self-discovery and pass along the wisdom and knowledge of his many great teachers.