Personal Statement/Bio:

Russ Zokaites is a native of Southwest Virginia, where he was introduced to music through the high school band program and the local youth symphony. Russ began his musical education at the University of South Carolina studying trombone with Dr. Brad Edwards. While at USC Russ had the opportunity to play with every major performing ensemble at the university as well as the Carolina Trombone Collective and an extremely active trombone quartet. During his time in South Carolina Russ gave four solo recitals, participated in a tour of the Black Sea performing in five eastern European countries, and attended the Sewanee Summer Music Festival. Russ completed his student teaching under the guidance of Dave Allison at Summit Parkway Middle School and Spring Valley High School in Columbia, South Carolina. During his time in South Carolina Russ was the trombone instructor for the community music program at USC and the low brass instructor at Irmo Middle School.
Russ recently received a Masters of Music degree in trombone performance from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. While in Cincinnati Russ studied with Pete Norton of the Cincinnati Symphony, Tim Anderson and Tim Northcut of the Dayton Philharmonic. Russ also performed as substitute bass trombone with the Dayton Philharmonic. He attended the Pierre Monteux School for conductors and orchestral musicians during the summer of 2009 where he participated in the reading of 72 complete orchestral works. Russ was also able to perform a guest recital at his alma mater, the University of South Carolina. While in Cincinnati Russ also had the opportunity to be the low brass instructor at Scott High School in Covington, Kentucky.
In the summer of 2010 Russ was invited to study at the Aspen Music Festival and School. While at Aspen, Russ studied with John Rojak of the American Brass Quintet and performed in master classes for Per Brevig and Warren Deck. Russ performed with the Aspen Concert Orchestra, the Aspen Chamber Symphony, the American Academy of Conducting at Aspen and with the Aspen Opera Company. Throughout the summer Russ performed under Robert Spano and Emmanuel Krivine and had the opportunity to perform with Julia Fischer. While at Aspen Russ was named a semi-finalist for the New World Symphony and is currently on their substitute list.
Throughout his training Russ had the opportunity of participate in lessons and masters classes with, George Curran of the Atlanta Symphony, Matt Guilford of the National Symphony, James Box of the Montreal Symphony, Paul Pollard of the Metropolitan Opera, Larry Zalkind acting principle of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, James Markey of the New York Philharmonic, and Per Brevig retired principle of the Metropolitan Opera.

Education/Training:

I hold an undergraduate music education degree from the University of South Carolina and a Masters of Music in Performance from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. I have attend three summer music festivals including the 2010 Aspen Music Festival and School. My training has prepared me to teach at the highest standard possible.

Teaching Philosophy:

My Philosophy is simple, Anyone can learn music. A dedicated work ethic and proper instruction is all that is required. I hold all of my students to the highest standard and with some hard work high standards are usually achieved.

Music Programs:

I am currently on the sub-list of the New World Symphony Orchestra in Miami, FL. I have also performed with the Dayton Philharmonic.