Composer, educator, and producer Zachary M. Watkins earned his Master of Music in composition from California State University in Sacramento. He has studied with Stephen Blumberg, Leo Eylar, and Frank La Rocca. Watkins’ music focuses on accessible thematic material and intricate rhythms, incorporating a range of styles including avant-garde, jazz, neo-romanticism, and popular musics. 

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Born and raised in Sacramento CA, his compositions have been performed by soprano Angela Yam, pianist Jennifer Reason, soprano Carrie Hennessey, mezzo-soprano Meghan Dibble, the Citywater new music ensemble, the Goat Hall cabaret opera company, and the San Francisco Contemporary Music Players. The composer maintains a music publishing business and works as a freelance digital music engraver.

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Outside the classical music realm, Watkins works with a variety of artists, including local hip-hop legends P Chill, DJ Mike Colossal, and Mr. Hooper. A member of BMI Classical, the composer teaches music at Cosumnes River College in Elk Grove, and is an active member of the Phi Kappa Phi and Pi Kappa Lambda honor societies. The composer currently resides in the greater Sacramento area.

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