Zachary Piesner, bassoon

Meet Zachary

Zachary performs on Show 444.

Zachary Piesner (bassoon), 17, hails from Calabasas, California, where he studies with Eric Johnson-Tamai and plays with Colburn’s Youth Orchestra. Zachary has held the position of principal bassoonist with the Honor Band of America and has been a continuous participant in the California All-State Honor Bands since seventh-grade. Over the course of his musical journey, he has garnered numerous awards, ranging from the state to the international level. These accolades include First Place in Woodwinds at the International Grande Music Competition, First Place in the MTAC VOCE Solo Winds, and the Jack Smith Award for Most Promising Musician at the Pasadena Showcase House Instrumental Competition.

Versatile in his musical tastes, Zachary enjoys exploring a wide range of genres, from classical and jazz to pop, rock, and R&B. Although his primary focus is the bassoon, Zachary is a multi-instrumentalist who began his musical education with the violin and piano. He also plays the baritone saxophone, alto saxophone, clarinet, and trombone.

Away from the musical stage, Zachary takes pleasure in fencing, solving puzzles, and engaging in video games with friends.