Zakk Jones

Assistant Professor

Department

• Music

Contact Information

• zjones446@capital.edu
• Conservatory Complex 212

Biography

Zakk Jones is an Ohio based guitarist, bandleader, composer and educator. He holds an M.M. in Jazz Studies from Bowling Green State University, and a B.M. in Jazz Studies from Capital University. Currently he is Assistant Professor and Area Head of Jazz Studies in the Conservatory of Music at Capital University. In this role, he leads one of the nation’s oldest collegiate jazz programs, directs the big band, and teaches core-curriculum classes like improvisation and theory. In addition, he is a Lecturer in Applied Guitar at Truman State University. Since his emergence in the Midwest scene he has played and toured all over the country and world at such venues as the Amsterdam Blue Note, Bar Next Door (NYC), Bop Stop (CLE), Cliff Bell’s (Detroit), the Troubadour (LA), Bluebird Theatre (Denver), the Newport (Columbus) and many more. He can be seen frequently with Doc Robinson, the Tony Monaco Trio, Andy Woodson’s PawPaw Orchestra, Third Shore Collective, and the Zakk Jones Trio. In addition, he has played with The Columbus Jazz Orchestra, Maria Schneider, The Coasters, The Midtown Men, Lou Marini Jr, Ryan Keberle, John Fedchock, Jaleel Shaw, Dwight Adams, Jaak Sooäär, Olivia van Goor and Bobby Floyd. In mid-2019 he released his debut trio record “Mise-en-scène”, produced and mixed by Grammy-winning professionals Jeff Ciampa and Rob Griffin, known for their long standing work with Wayne Shorter. His latest release is the EP "In My Life", released in late 2022.

As an educator, Zakk has previously been on faculty at Mt. Vernon Nazarene University, Bowling Green State University, and hosts online masterclasses for students from around the world. Outside of his busy gigging and teaching schedule, Zakk is an avid composer/arranger, writes educational articles for JazzGuitarToday.com and hosts the podcast "Beyond The Frets".

Zakk proudly endorses Eastman Guitars and Kopp String Instruments.