Winds Department Chair
Teaching Artist Statement
I specifically tailor the lessons to each student's ability and goals. Repertoire is designed to fit the student's needs for tone, technique and musicianship while providing musical growth, inspiration, interest and enjoyment. I incorporate many styles of music to make lessons fun and engaging while helping students achieve their objectives. There is nothing more rewarding to me than looking into the face of my students and feeling the pride they feel for accomplishing their goal.
Teaching bio
Donald Zook is Co-Chair of the Woodwind and Brass Department and Director of Chamber Music at South Shore Conservatory and is Professor of flute at Bridgewater State University. Donald has taught on the faculties of Eastern Nazarene College and Stonehill College in southeastern Massachusetts and the American Conservatory College and Park Forest Conservatory in Illinois. He is a much sought-after flute teacher in Southeastern Massachusetts and gives many master classes throughout the Boston area, including a clinic for the Greater Boston Flute Association.
Donald is the founder, music director and conductor of South Shore Conservatory's Flute Symphony, one of the largest flute symphonies in the United States, and has commissioned many new works and arrangements for this flute ensemble. He has been with SSC since 1988.
Performing Bio
Donald Zook, flutist, made his solo debut at Orchestra Hall in Chicago. He earned his Bachelor of Music, magna cum laude, from the American Conservatory of Music, where he received the John Conterio Award in recognition of his outstanding ability in performance. Donald has premiered and recorded several works for flute, written especially for him.
Appearing as a soloist and in chamber ensembles throughout New England, the Midwest and New York, Donald delights audiences with his technique, passion, and virtuosity. Donald has performed with several orchestras, including Chicago's Businessman's Orchestra as Co-Principal, and has played countless Broadway musicals and operas. He has frequently performed at concert series including those of the Harvard University, Old South Church of Boston, King's Chapel, the James Library in Norwell, and the Duxbury Art Complex. He was also featured in the Arts Alive Concert Series in the Virgin Islands.
As former Vice-President and Artist-in-Residence of the Chicago Flute Society, Donald has acted as music consultant for WTTV television studios and has recorded for three major dance studios. An advocate of new music, he has premiered several new works for the flute, winning him critical praise from Chicago, New York, and New England reviewers. His first CD, Last Rose of Summer features rarely recorded virtuoso music of the Romantic Era and is frequently aired on WCRB, WFCC, WFCR and the World Classical Network. He has been with SSC since 1988.
Visit Donald Zook's website