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Empowering Students Through the Joy of Music and the Arts

ZDENEK KANSKY

Electric and Upright Bass, Piano, Guitar

Zdenek (Z.K), originally from the Czech Republic and now a U.S. citizen, began his musical journey inspired by his grandfather’s accordion playing. At the age of seven, he started taking music lessons, and by sixteen, he picked up his first bass guitar. As his interest in jazz grew, he also learned to play the upright bass, allowing him to explore both jazz and classical music.

Zdenek studied bass and music education at the Conservatory of J. Jezek in Prague. He performed at various jazz clubs and festivals across the Czech Republic and Europe before moving to the USA, inspired by the many musicians he admired. In 1997, after attending a summer jazz workshop hosted by the Berklee College of Music, he was awarded a significant music scholarship and invited to study at Berklee, where he played with top students and faculty members. After graduating, he worked as a bass accompanist for different classes at Berklee.

After his time at Berklee, Zdenek and his wife Christie toured on cruise ships, playing in a 9-piece band for numerous shows. He then returned to the Czech Republic, where he played with a top Big Band and toured with his own World Jazz group. In 2010, Zdenek moved back to the USA, where he recorded his CD “Dreams & Hopes” and performed with world-class musicians.

In 2012, Zdenek was accepted into a Master’s program at William Paterson University, where he studied arranging and composition under Jim McNeely. During his studies, he performed at Jazz at Lincoln Center and had his arrangement performed by the WPU Big Band. After receiving his Master’s degree, Zdenek and his wife founded the ZCK Music Academy and recording studio, where they teach, produce music, organize concerts, and travel the world. Zdenek currently leads his own group, Z.K Trio or Quartet, and ZCK Quartet with his wife Christie. They are also working on a children’s album. Zdenek is passionate about passing on his musical experience to the younger generation, especially K-12 students, by introducing them to various styles of creative music, including contemporary jazz and world music.

In 2017 and 2018, Zdenek taught as a music faculty member at GMI in New Delhi and SAM near Chennai, India. He regularly performed at the Piano Man Jazz Club and other prestigious music events in India during these trips.

Zdenek is fortunate to be part of Anselmo Academy where he offers lessons on electric bass ( 4,5,6 str.), upright bass, piano, guitar and music production.