About Me
Zach Bethel is a trombonist and brass educator who splits time between Madison, WI and Iowa City, IA, and is currently working toward a DMA in Trombone Performance at the University of Iowa. Previously, Zach held the Adjunct Low Brass Instructor position at Concordia University Wisconsin where he taught lessons and performed with the CUW faculty brass quintet. An active chamber musician, Zach performs with the Beltline Bones, an electro-acoustic trombone quartet, as well as the Bridger Brass, a contemporary brass quintet. He is also on staff with Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps as a low brass instructor. Zach routinely freelances contemporary gigs and church services throughout central Wisconsin. He is a multi-faceted trombonist and has performed in a wide variety of spaces alongside the Madison Jazz Orchestra, the Madison Brass Band, the La Crosse Symphony Orchestra and with several small combos and other regional orchestras throughout the Midwest.
He is proficient on bass trombone and euphonium. In addition to maintaining a private studio, Zach spent time as the trombone instructor at University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Summer Music Clinic. Zach also worked as the Admin and Membership Coordinator at Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestras prior to his return to pursue his doctorate.
Zach received his master's in trombone performance from the University of Wisconsin-Madison ('22) and is passionate about new and contemporary music.
Originally from Orlando, Florida, Zach graduated from Florida State University with a double major in Music and English ('20). His primary instructors have included Dr. Jonathan Allen, Mark Hetzler, Dr. John Drew, and Jeff Thomas.
An avid educator of the marching arts, Zach has spent several years instructing and teaching marching bands and drum and bugle corps. Previous to working with the Madison Scouts, Zach was on the brass instructional team at The Academy Drum and Bugle Corps. He also taught music and visual for several high school marching bands throughout Wisconsin. While at UW-Madison, Zach was a graduate teaching assistant with the Badger Band where he aided in rehearsals, instructed trombone sectionals, and led pep bands for various collegiate sporting events.
Zach is also a member and founder of the Beltline Bones, a midwest-based trombone quartet that pursues contemporary sounds and pushes the boundaries of modern repertoire through electro-acoustic means. The quartet released their debut album Audiogenica on Cmntx Records in March of 2024, and published their follow-up project, Technological Eclipse on New Focus Recordings, in August of 2026. The group has performed across a number of venues and spaces, including the International Trombone Festival, American Trombone Workshop, University of Oklahoma, University of Arkansas, University of Iowa, Northern Illinois University, Eastern Illinois University, Central Michigan University, Eastern Michigan University, Ball State University, and Missouri Sate University. You can see their latest performances and happenings at their instagram over at @beltlinebones.
Furthering his chamber music experience, Zach performs with the Bridger Brass quintet. In the spring of 2024, the quintet completed a week-long residency at Montana State University where they performed a concert under the President Series, performed alongside the MSU Concert Band, and taught several lessons and masterclasses throughout the week. Most recently, they completed a performance at the University of Florida Brassfest in the spring of 2026.
Outside of the music profession, Zach enjoys reading, and hiking and kayaking with his wife Lauren and dogs Cleo and Archie.
Resume and CV available upon request.
