Zachary Keum
Cellist and Educator
Cellist
I am a cellist with 18 years of playing experience. I developed a lasting dedication to the instrument during my time with the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra. I hold Bachelor and Master degrees in cello performance and have performed orchestral, chamber, and solo repertoire in festival and professional settings.
Teacher
I value creating a warm and welcoming studio environment that encourages curiosity, confidence, and steady musical growth. My goal is for each student to feel supported while developing both strong technical foundations and personal musical expression. I teach students of all ages and levels, remotely and in person!
Gigging
I have performed in a variety of professional settings, including musical theatre productions, dining and event engagements, and as a substitute cellist with professional orchestras.
About Me
Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, Zachary Keum began playing the cello at the age of seven as a way to pass the time. What started as a casual interest quickly grew into a deep passion for music, inspired by the expressive and collaborative nature of music making.His commitment to music deepened significantly through his time in the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra, where he performed full symphonic repertoire at Severance Hall and toured throughout Ohio and Europe. These formative experiences solidified his dedication to a life in music, particularly through the community-driven aspects of orchestral performance.Zachary went on to earn his Bachelor of Music degree in Cello Performance from Northwestern University, where he studied with Hans Jørgen Jensen. He continued his education to earn a Master of Music degree and Graduate Diploma in Cello Performance at the New England Conservatory, studying with Blaise Déjardin and Yeesun Kim.He has attended summer music festivals throughout his education, including the Meadowmount School of Music, the Encore Music Festival, and the Orford Music Academy where he studied with artists such as Hans Jørgen Jensen, Frans Helmerson, Brannon Cho, Jonathan Dormand, Max Geissler, and Michel Strauss.As a performer, Zachary has appeared in a wide range of professional settings. He is currently a section cellist with the Boulder Symphony & Music Academy and the Symphony of the Rockies. He currently serves as a substitute cellist with the Colorado Symphony, Longmont Symphony Orchestra, Fort Collins Symphony, and Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra. He also has additional experience in chamber, baroque, contemporary, and theatrical pit settings in festival and professional settings.In addition to performing, Zachary is an active educator. He has taught private cello lessons to beginner students through virtual instruction with Through the Staff and has worked in arts education programs supporting students with disabilities with AMASE. His teaching philosophy emphasizes building a supportive and engaging environment where students develop strong technical foundations, musical expression, and confidence.Outside his musical work, Zachary enjoys making art and origami in his free time.
Media
Rachmaninoff Sonata for Piano and Cello
Schumann Concerto Movement 1
Isang Yun, Glissees
