Zac Chester

About

"Undeniable. That describes the artistry of pianist Zac, and the life force that has driven his journey."

He is not finished, of course.  Though he has recently appeared as an opener for Benny Golson and McCoy Tyner, and is now performing as a colleague with his mentors, his vision is even larger.  He desires nothing less than to help shape the future of jazz and harmonic and compositional thought, and to bring classical and jazz together while respecting the essence of each paradigm. 

With skill sets encompassing jazz and classical performance, education, business management, and even award-winning jingle writing (for the Gainesville Bus Company), Zac Chester is a quintessential 21st century musician.  He is a great player with a great future.  His ability to function at the highest levels of musicianship in any genre (a concept introduced by one of his most important and revered mentors, Bunky Green), combined with his tireless pursuit of musical excellence and his ability to connect personally with his audiences and colleagues sets him apart from those who may simply be great players.”     

– Brian Horner

 

brianhornermusic.com

Music

Software Development

Zac earned his Master’s in Music Performance from the University of Florida and continued on to serve as Adjunct Professor in the UF Jazz Studies department. He has taught courses in Jazz Fundamentals 1 and 2, Jazz Improvisation, Jazz Combo, Jazz Choir and Jazz History.

Zac has been co-developer of national online course delivery systems and has taught over a thousand students online for higher education. He is currently a member of the Longineu Parsons internationally performing jazz ensemble, a historical legacy featuring the music of Louis Armstrong and straight-ahead, avant-garde jazz. 

For close to two decades in the African American community of Jacksonville, Florida, Zac has served as a gospel organist. He is currently the Musical Director at Ephesians Baptist Church. 

Zac hails from the University of North Florida’s Jazz department, where he earned a Bachelor’s of Jazz Studies and worked privately with Kevin Bales, Keith Javors, Dennis Marks, Lynne Arriale and Bunky Green.  

He has had the honor to work and perform with Von Barlow, Longineu Parsons II, Longineu Parsons III, John Lumpkin, Wycliffe Gordon, Phil Morrison, Randall Haywood, Barry Green, Calvin Newborn, Juan Roland, Dennis Marion, Kenny Hamilton, Al Waters, Thomas Taylor, Will Montgomery, Bo Digitally, Shady Grady Thomas, Original P Funk, Jose Valentino and Scott Wilson.

Outside of Zac’s musical career, his passion for helping fellow musicians build their online presence grew into a parallel path in Marketing, Front-End Development, and T-shaped UX Design, with a focus on UX Engineering.. To see his portfolio and learn more, CLICK HERE.

“Among many UF jazz graduate students that have national accolades and endorsements, Zac Chester has set a new standard for achievement. He will be remembered as a defining force in jazz, and his work ethic, determination and creative endeavors illustrate the trajectory of a master musician and educator. Zac Chester will define a new generation of jazz music and industry skilled 21st century musicians.”
 Scott Wilson Jazz Luminary, Uf Jazz "I have had the pleasure of watching and being a part of the development of this sensitive and creative musician, who also happens to be a fine human being. Keep an eye out for Zac Chester, he's going somewhere"
 Dr. Longineu Parsons II Jazz Luminary "Zac Chester...An indefatigable pianist, constantly creative"
 Keith Javors multi down-beat winner “Virtuoso, if I could use one word to describe pianist Zac Chester. Zac Chester has grown into one of the finest jazz pianist around. Keep up the good work Zac!”
 Von Barlow Jazz Luminary "It is such a pleasure to have an opportunity to share my thoughts regarding the talent and professionalism of my good friend, Zac Chester. Zac joined my group, The Phil Morrison Trio, while still a student at the University of North Florida and the growth that he has displayed since then is just amazing. The repertoire for my group consisted of many of my original tunes, as well as jazz standards, which required quite a bit of reading music and learning tunes frequently played by jazz groups. Zac hit the road runnin' and hasn't stopped yet. " Phil Morrison Jazz Luminary Testimonials “