ZACK SMITH
Saxophonist
BIOGRAPHY
Meet Zack,
Living and originating from Manchester, Zack is an emerging woodwind specialist and educator. Zack studied at the Royal Northern College of Music and graduated with First Class Honours.
Zack is an inventive, diverse and dedicated musician. Having established a foundation for his technique during his studies at the RNCM, Zack is now pushing himself in both solo repertoire and chamber settings. Having been accepted into the National Youth Orchestra at the age of sixteen, Zack has a wide knowledge of repertoire as well has having plentiful performing experience. The following year, Zack made his BBC Proms debut and has continued to push himself ever since. He has now played at some of the most prestigious venues across the country including the likes of the Royal Albert Hall and Birmingham Symphony Hall, as well as recently performing a solo recital at the world-renowned Wigmore Hall. Zack aspires to be known for his flexibility and mastery of contrasting styles. His flexibility has already seen him deputise for well-regarded orchestras such as the Manchester Camerata, as well as the likes of the Paul Barry Big Band and Nick Ross Orchestra. Zack has recently toured the UK with Elf the Musical UK Tour.
Also a clarinettist and flautist, Zack has used his diverse skillset to engage in a multitude of outreach and educational programs. Zack has established himself as one of the North-Wests most promising instrumental teachers, as he thoroughly enjoys his woodwind instrumental tutor roles at both the Rossall School and Rishworth School, as well as The Music Rooms in Newton-le-Willows.
Zack's saxophone quartet, The Akiko Saxophone Quartet, is currently an Emerging Artist of the Stoller Hall, Manchester. Akiko have recently performed as a part of the Lake District Summer Music Festival, as well as performing recitals regularly around the UK.
Teaching
Luke O
“Zack is a fantastic teacher for anyone looking to start or further their journey as a Saxophonist. Zack makes it feel very easy to learn the basics. He is calm and collected and I cannot recommend him enough."
Bill D
"I find Zack to be a very trustworthy tutor. Zack is very friendly and patient and does not force his methods on you as a student. He gently suggests ways to improve your own style of playing."
Colin
“If this young man can teach me the logistics of playing the saxophone, then he deserves a medal! There isn't a lesson where I have walked out without a smile. I would highly recommend Zack.”
The Akiko Saxophone Quartet
‘The Akiko Saxophone Quartet, formed in 2021, are an award-winning Saxophone Quartet from the Royal Northern College of Music. Under the current tutelage of Robert Buckland (Apollo Quartet), the quartet represents the modern saxophone quartet by pushing the boundaries of the standard repertoire. Its repertoire ranges from the classical core repertoire and jazz to the contemporary pieces.
​
Since the group was formed, they have given the UK premiere of Sally Beamish’s ‘Opus California’. The composer, who was in the audience, said that Akiko was 'the perfect match with the tonal, lyrical, and reflective qualities of her piece.' The quartet were the winners of the Fewkes Wind Chamber Music Prize in March of 2023 and has participated in masterclasses with world renowned tutors such as Timothy McAllister (Prism Quartet), and Amy Dickson, as well as featuring as Spotlight Artists at the Huddersfield Saxophone Day 2022.
​
The members of Akiko have regular engagements across the North-West of England. They each aim to bring awareness of the classical saxophone tradition. With many bespoke arrangements by their Baritone Saxophonist, Jasmine Brown, Akiko ensure a varied and progressive repertoire in each performance.
Soprano Saxophone: Leah Waddington
Alto Saxophone: Matthew Hodson
Tenor Saxophone: Zack Smith
Baritone Saxophone: Jasmine Brown'
​
The quartet have recently performed at the following engagements: Lancashire Concert Society (2025), Buxton Opera House (2023), Christ Church Southport (2023), Whitworth Art Gallery Manchester (2022), Nottingham Live at Lunch Nottingham Theatre Royal (2023), Carrington Concert series (2022), Frodsham (2023) and The Lake District Music Series (2023).
Gallery
Contact
Please contact me using the contact form below, I look forward to hearing from you!
