Zach Wilson is a Maryland-based performer and educator specializing in chamber music, musical theater, and the marching arts. Zach is a founding member of Matchstick Percussion, a percussion quartet dedicated to new music and promoting works by underrepresented artists through commissioning, collaborative performance, and educational outreach. His love of contemporary music has compelled him to commission and premiere over thirty new works for percussion.
As an educator, Zach is currently Adjunct Faculty at Towson University where he teaches percussion. Previously, he was a graduate assistant with the Penn State Blue Band, preparing the drumline for dozens of shows including the Rose Bowl in 2023. He has also taught drumline, front ensemble, visual, and drill for numerous high schools in Maryland. Zach regularly judges MMEA Solo & Ensemble performances and honor band auditions.
As a freelancer, Zach has appeared with ensembles including the New Orchestra of Washington, 21st Century Consort, Pennsylvania Chamber Orchestra, the Regenerate! Orchestra, Virago, and Glass Trees. His playing has taken him up and down the east coast including venues like the Kennedy Center (DC), Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MA), the Hirshhorn Museum (DC), Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts (NY), PS21: Performance Spaces for the 21st Century (NY), Atlas Performing Arts Center (DC), Capital One Hall (VA), and Heinz Hall (PA).
Zach is currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in percussion performance at the University of Maryland where he holds a percussion studio graduate assistantship. His teachers include Edouard Beyens, Scott Christian, Jon Bisesi, Lee Hinkle, Michelle Humphreys, and Marsha Becker.
Outside of music, Zach enjoys tea, puzzles, niche world history, and making wind chimes.
Zach is a Yamaha Performing Artist and through Matchstick Percussion endorses Vic Firth sticks and mallets, Zildjian cymbals, and Black Swamp Percussion.
