Zach Childress is a decorated saxophonist, educator, and overall music nerd currently residing in the Baltimore area. Zach completed his Master's at the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, where he studied Saxophone Performance with Dr. Nicki Roman as well as Music History and Literature under the guidance of Dr. Gillian Rodger, both of which he held Teaching Assistantships with. Previously, Zach completed his B.M. and a Graduate Performance Certificate at the University of Northern Colorado where he studied with Dr. Andrew Dahlke.

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While at UWM, Zach won both concerto competitions offered at the school and performed William Bolcom's Concert Suite for Alto Saxophone and Wind Ensemble with the UWM Wind Ensemble, and his own arrangement of Joseph Haydn's Concerto for Oboe in C Major with the UWM Symphony Orchestra. While in Milwaukee, Zach had the honor of performing with a local new music ensemble, Present Music, as both an ensemble member, and as an endorsed soloist through UWM. At UNC, Zach won the Rocky Mountain Concerto Competition and performed John Mackey's Concerto for Soprano Sax and Wind Ensemble with the UNC Wind Ensemble. He also won UNC's Southard Competition with the Front Range Saxophone Quartet playing Pierre Max Dubois' Quartour pour Saxophones.

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As an educator, Zach has always been community-focused in his approach. His main philosophy in teaching focuses on student growth and effort. Zach believes that every student is different, has a different background, and requires a different approach. While he was based in Colorado, he spent his summers as a saxophone instructor through both the Masonic Society as well as the Colorado Honor Band Association. After moving to Austin, TX, Zach traveled to La Grange, TX to give sponsored private lessons to the middle and high school students in the area. Staying flexible through the COVID pandemic, Zach worked with a local school in Milwaukee to give virtual lessons to assist in the necessary virtual learning. His private students are historically prolific young musicians with high placements in Solo and Ensemble events, as well as high placements in local and statewide youth ensembles. Zach's students not only enjoy the high level of music-making in lessons, but also the humor, lightness, and passion that he brings to his teaching.