Eric Zambala

Eric Zambala is a jazz-focused multi-instrumentalist from Spokane, Washington. While his main instrument is vibraphone, he is also proficient in general percussion, piano, and bass guitar. 

Eric has been very fortunate to study with masters of the vibraphone, both via in-person and online masterclasses. His mallet-playing journey first seriously began through college, where he worked with Seattle-based mallet virtuosos Dr. Miho Takekawa and Dr. Ben Thomas. Eric then attended the 2020 and 2021 Steve Weiss Online Mallet Festivals where he studied with Tony Miceli, David Friedman, Joe Locke, Stefon Harris, and Warren Wolf, where topics ranged from ear training to professional development as a vibraphone artist. Eric is also fortunate to have an amplification system and pedalboard for his instrument to fit any scenario, whether big stage or acoustic.

Eric attended Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, WA where he graduated summa cum laude in 2020 with a Bachelor’s in Percussion Performance under Dr. Miho Takekawa.  He flourished as an orchestral percussionist, winning the Student Soloist competition as a sophomore and the PASIC Ludwig Industries Scholarship the same year (See the video below for a clip from this performance!). During this time he also began private jazz study with renowned pianist and composer Dr Cassio Vianna, where he honed in on jazz harmony and literature. 

Since moving to St Petersburg, Florida in summer 2021, Eric has found various ways to continue his passion for performance on various instruments. He is currently the vibraphonist/keyboardist for the Sarasota-based fusion outfit The Barker Project, led by Sarasota bassist Johnnie Barker. He also plays keys and vibes with former NYC-based Lee Farber in a duo setting, along with vibes in Paul Gormley and Friends, a straight-ahead jazz outfit led by former LA bassist Paul Gormley. He also is vibraphonist and keyboardist of the Tampa-based Rod Alnord Quartet and mallet percussionist of the Ross Strauser Jazz Orchestra. He has also been fortunate to share the stage on keys with singer/songwriter Brett Wiscons. Lastly, Eric records and posts regularly on YouTube and Instagram, where he not only plays vibraphone but keyboards, bass, and drums, often creating his own backing tracks.

Beyond performance, Eric is fortunate to have an extensive background in music education. He currently maintains a studio ranging from in-person drum lessons to online guitar lessons. Eric also teaches piano and percussion at Berretta Music Academy in Clearwater, FL. During college, Eric was also the acting beginning band teacher at Visitation STEM Academy and a substitute Percussion Teaching Artist for the Student Orchestras of Greater Olympia the same year. 

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