A smiling man sitting on a park bench with a clarinet resting on his shoulder, wearing a light blue shirt, beige shorts, and gray sneakers, during a sunny day.

Zachary West is a performer and private studio teacher in Northern Virginia.

Recent Live Recordings

Teaching

Four children and an adult man holding clarinets, standing in a music rehearsal room with music stands and a beige wall in the background.

Helping Northern Virginia clarinetists build confidence, earn first-chair placements, and discover a lifelong love of music.

Who I Work With

  • Motivated beginning and intermediate band students excited about the clarinet.

  • High school students pursuing district, regional, all-state, and college auditions.

  • Adult hobbyists returning to the clarinet.

  • Semi-professional adults looking to polish and refine their playing.

Schedule Your Free Lesson Consultation

Performance

Two clarinet players, holding clarinets, smiling for a selfie with stained glass windows and other musicians in the background.

I am passionate about the outstanding music written for our instrument, and am honored to have brought it to life on some of the world’s greatest stages.

Hear Live Recordings

Testimonials

  • "Lessons with Mr. West had an immediate and significant impact on my daughter's clarinet playing...Mr. West blends precision advice and passion for his subject with a demeanor that is kind, supportive, and encouraging."

    Jess S, Falls Church, VA

  • "My daughter is excited with the clarinet and looks forward to her sessions with Zac. He has significantly contributed to my daughter's musical journey, inspiring and guiding her every step of the way”

    Elli A, Arlington, VA

  • "Zac is a beautiful and passionate musician, whose desire to sing through the notes is profound!"

    Franklin Cohen, Principal Clarinet Emeritus, the Cleveland Orchestra

  • "Zac West (no relation to our knowledge) is a beautiful lyrical player, rock solid technically, and an absolute pleasure as a collaborator."

    Charles West, D.M.A. Professor of Music Emeritus, Virginia Commonwealth University; Past President and Honorary Member, International Clarinet Association