John Zappa
John Zappa
Adjunct Professor
Jazz Appreciation
M.M., Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music
Office: FA 378A
Phone: (859) 572-7736
E-mail: zappaj1@nku.edu
- John Zappa studied jazz and classical styles of trumpet with great teachers including Pat Harbison, head of the jazz studies department at Indiana University, Tim Hagens, Blue Note Records recording artist, and the renowned William Adam. While attending the College-Conservatory of Music in Cincinnati, he played in a variety of jazz ensembles, combos, orchestras and brass groups.
- Zappa is currently leading his own Jazz Quartet; the dance band, Rich Uncle Skeleton; and the Solid Brass Quartet. John's freelancing includes work as a trumpeter and a drummer in a variety of styles with a variety of ensembles. These include concert orchestras and pit orchestras at Cincinnati's Aronoff and Playhouse in the Park theaters; wedding music both as a soloist and with the Solid Brass Quartet; salsa dance bands including the award winning Tropicoso; recording for various album projects which include the Grammy nominated When Bullfrogs Croak by Zach Morgan; jingles and cruise ship shows.
- Mr. Zappa has performed frequently throughout the Midwest with Cincinnati legends such as Cal Collins, Katie Laur, Steve Schmidt and John Von Ohlen. He has also performed a variety of concerts with headliners including Eddie Money, Wayne Newton, Leslie Gore, Sam Cooke and Frankie Vallie, in addition to jazz concerts with well-known artists including Joe Henderson, Clark Terry and Slide Hampton. Mr. Zappa is also currently a member of the award winning PsychoAcoustic Orchestra and the Cincinnati Contemporary Jazz Orchestra.
- Mr. Zappa is a member of the adjunct faculty at Northern Kentucky University teaching two courses of Jazz Appreciation to over 70 students, coaching trumpet sectionals and assisting with the NKU Jazz Ensemble. John is also a member of the NKU Jazz Camp Faculty and a frequent performer with the NKU Faculty Jazz Ensemble.