Eric Zabala

Eric is a vibraphonist and multi-instrumentalist from Spokane, Washington currently residing in St Petersburg, Florida. He is proficient in percussion, piano, bass guitar, trumpet, though jazz vibraphone is his specialty. Eric attended Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, WA where he graduated summa cum laude​ with a Bachelor’s in Percussion Performance under Dr. Miho Takekawa. During this time he began private jazz study with renowned pianist and composer Dr Cassio Vianna, where he honed in on jazz harmony and literature. He simultaneously began study with Philadelphia-based vibraphonist, Tony Miceli, through lessons and masterclasses. Eric was fortunate to be a participant of the 2021 Vibe Masters Week, having studied intensely with key vibraphone figures Joe Locke, Warren Wolf, Tony Miceli, David Friedman, and Stefon Harris.

Since moving to St Petersburg in summer 2021, Eric has found many avenues to continue his passion for jazz performance. He is currently the vibraphonist/keyboardist for The Barker Project, led by bassist Johnnie Barker. He is also a performer in the Clearwater Jazz Holiday association, along with having performed on vibraphone as part of the Lake Wales Jazz Connection with local jazz artists Paul Gavin, Bryan Hughes, LaRue Nickelson, and Alejandro Arenas. Lastly, Eric records and posts regularly on YouTube and Instagram, where he not only plays vibraphone, but keyboards, bass, and drums. (Find the links here! - https://linktr.ee/eric.zabala.music). You can occasionally even find Eric busking in downtown St Petersburg! 

Beyond performance, Eric is fortunate to have an extensive background in music education. He is currently the keyboards teacher at Berretta Music Academy in Clearwater, where he teaches private lessons from ages 3-16. Eric also maintains an in-person and online studio ranging from beginning percussion to guitar. 

Gear

Malletech Omega Vibraphone

K&K Pickups

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