6324 Metral Drive, Nanaimo, BC V9T 2L8 Phone: 250-933-1900

Oldrich ("OZ") Zitek

Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute & Theory Instruction
Oldrich has been a private music instructor for over 25 years. Since high school, his desire to assist in anything that involvs music, became a life ambition to seek and share in the knowledge that makes up the well rounded musician. Oldrich graduated from UBC with a Bachelor of Music in 1993, all the while supporting his studies through teaching and performing with various groups around Vancouver.

Primarily a Saxophonist, the world of jazz and blues lay firmly in his roots, he has never lost sight of the importance of pure inspiration. After graduation, Oldrich set out to discover the multicultural riches of India, Pakistan and China. Such diversity, in terms of music, played a key role in what would inspire and shape the ideas within his improvisation. The combination of East meets West only enhances the experience.

Following his return in late 1994, Oldrich has continued along the path of a working musician, teaching and performing as it seemed fit. His originality is expressed in the sounds of the band “Brickhouse”, which he has contributed musically for the past 18 years, and recently co-founded the group “Panj”, with musicians from India and Canada.

Oldrich has experimented with many teaching methods over the years. If there was a method he would like to take credit, it would be the John O’Neill “Jazz Method for Saxophone/Clarinet/Flute”. It can be taught on it own or with CD (band) accompaniment, and it involves the beginner to advanced player as a member of an ensemble, covering a wide variety of musical styles. This method is a great introduction to the Jamey Aebersold play-a-long series, recommended by many professionals as an essential tool for learning and understanding our musical heritage.