Based in Nashville, TN, Zachary Himelhoch (MMEd ’16) is a world percussionist with specialization in Afro-Cuban, Brazilian and Caribbean styles. He has performed with numerous artists including Andy Narell, Chance the Rapper, Lenny Castro, Etienne Charles, The Cool Kids, Daru Jones, Mark Walker and Dave Garfield at events throughout the country including the Percussive Arts Society International Convention, Lollapalooza, the Detroit Jazz Festival, the Hyde Park Jazz Festival Benefit Concert, Windsor Jazz Festival, and the Syracuse Jazz Festival.
Prior to earning his master’s degree from VanderCook, Himelhoch earned his bachelor’s degree in instrumental performance from Columbia College Chicago. He has taught clinics and master classes in percussion at a number of venues including the Jim Lee Fine Arts Camp, Columbia College Chicago, Holly Middle School, and Mott Community College. In addition, he currently develops and teaches world percussion curriculum at the high school and middle school levels in Nashville Public Schools.
Himelhoch owns and operates ZJH Percussion, a company providing instructional programs, presentations and private tutoring in all aspects of world percussion. ZJH Percussion, in collaboration with Columbia College Chicago’s Community Arts Partnership and the Music Institute of Chicago, served Chicago Public Schools and Chicago Parks District for over four years by providing culture and music education to underserved learners throughout the Chicago area. ZJH Percussion recently expanded to serve the greater Nashville area.