About Me
Diego Zavaleta is an aspiring orchestral percussionist based in Dallas; born and raised in Lima, Peru. Diego’s musical background extends across most genres including classical, contemporary and latin music. He has performed with the Vermont Symphony, Buffalo Philharmonic, attended the Ted Atkatz Percussion Seminar, Chautauqua Institution Music Festival, National Music Festival, So Percussion Summer Institute, be a part of the inaugural Emerging Artists cohort at the Network for Diversity in Concert Percussion, and perform a full season with the New York Youth Symphony. Diego received his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Percussion Performance at SUNY Purchase and is currently pursuing a Percussion Performance Diploma at SMU, studying with George Nickson, Principal Percussion, and Brian Jones, Principal Timpani, of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra
My Teaching Philosophy
My teaching philosophy is based on the reciprocity of learning. An exchange that allows both, the teacher and the student, to learn from each other. In music, I did not only find a purpose but a way to give back to my community. After so many years dedicated to my craft, and many more to come, I believe it is time for me to start sharing what I have learned, to pass it on to the next generation of musicians just like my teachers did and do, and continue on with a life-long learning journey
