Zachary Cruz

A native of Santa Monica, California, Zachary began his music studies at 8 years old. Following the choices of his older brother, he began playing the Viola through the music courses offered through his elementary school. Even though his brother stopped playing the viola, Zachary continued. Playing throughout middle and high school, he rose through the ranks of his high school’s six orchestras under the direction of Joni Swenson and Jason Aiello. In 2016, he began taking private lessons with Violist Virginie d’Avezac. With her, Zachary was able to grow his love of music and he decided to make music his lifelong passion. After graduating from Santa Monica High School, Zachary began pursuing his degree in Viola Performance at Santa Monica College. While at Santa Monica College, he began playing in the Santa Monica College Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Brian Stone as Co-Principal Viola. In the Fall of 2018, Zachary began his studies with Michael McLean of the Colburn School through Santa Monica College's Applied Music Program. Through Mr. McLean, Zachary found out about the music program at California State University, Northridge which is where he transferred to after SMC in the Fall of 2021.

Currently, Zachary is a Senior at CSUN, studying with Dr. Wendy Richman, and is pursuing his Bachelor of Music in Viola Performance. Outside of his regular academic studies, Zachary currently performs with the Santa Monica College Symphony Orchestra sitting Principal Viola, under the direction of Mercedes Juan Musotto and is in his second year with the CSUN Honors Quartet under the direction of Diane Roscetti. Zachary is very excited to begin his work with Elemental Music and looks forward to the next year of teaching and learning along with the students and faculty of Elemental Music.