Students Accepted by Audition
120 W 2nd St, Suite 1600, Dayton, OH
Zadan Jazz Studio
Theory, Improvisation and Performance
I owe my full tuition college scholarship and in large part, my professional career to Eric Zadan.
Rob Stone
Eric is a fantastic musician who is also able to explain and make complex musical topics relatable. He instills a passion for music in his students, and as a result, the community at the Zadan Jazz Studio is collaborative, motivated, and supportive.
James Herbort
Working with Eric not only advanced my musical ability, but allowed me to develop critical professional
and life skills that I have used with success outside of music as well.
Ben Freelove
The Zadan Jazz Studio is *the* reason I am able to play music professionally. I have landed every important audition
in my life since attending because of Eric's lessons in preparation and professionalism.
Bryan O'Flynn
I can't think of a better place than the Zadan Jazz Studio to hone musical and professional skills. The camaraderie and mutual respect
fostered within the student body is unparalleled. Eric is full of support, integrity, professionalism, talent, and selflessness.
Ryan Hunter
The lessons I learned in both music and life from Eric at the Zadan Jazz Studio are absolutely
invaluable and the positive effects will stick with me for a lifetime.
Logan McKenzie
I owe my full tuition college scholarship and in large part, my professional career to Eric Zadan.
Rob Stone
Eric is a fantastic musician who is also able to explain and make complex musical topics relatable. He instills a passion for music in his students, and as a result, the community at the Zadan Jazz Studio is collaborative, motivated, and supportive.
James Herbort
Working with Eric not only advanced my musical ability, but allowed me to develop critical professional
and life skills that I have used with success outside of music as well.
Ben Freelove
The Zadan Jazz Studio is *the* reason I am able to play music professionally. I have landed every important audition in my life since attending because of Eric's lessons in preparation and professionalism.
Bryan O'Flynn
I can't think of a better place than the Zadan Jazz Studio to hone musical and professional skills. The camaraderie and mutual respect fostered within the student body is unparalleled. Eric is full of support, integrity, professionalism, talent, and selflessness.
Ryan Hunter
The lessons I learned in both music and life from Eric at the Zadan Jazz Studio are absolutely invaluable and the positive effects will stick with me for a lifetime.
Logan McKenzie
What is the
Zadan Jazz Studio?
It is an intensive jazz studies program offered by Eric Zadan, a professional jazz pianist with a strong commitment to teaching. Private lessons combine with classroom and ensemble settings to provide incomparable training for serious students of jazz. In this environment, students receive valuable information about the art, the craft and the profession.
Students too often learn theoretical data without experiencing real growth in their playing. This can be frustrating for the student. A skillful teacher provides clear direction as to how to use newly presented information to enhance the creative process.
Eric Zadan has helped numerous students develop into professional musicians, many of whom have left the area to begin careers in larger music markets. Over the years, the uniqueness and quality of this advanced musical training have attracted students from the Dayton, Cincinnati and Columbus areas.
If I'm not a pianist, shouldn't I study with
someone who plays my instrument?
If your instrumental skills are developed well enough to begin learning more about what to play, rather than how to play it technically, this may be the logical next step. It is extremely advantageous for an improvisation student to study with a professional who specializes in jazz. Traditionally, instrumentalists of all types have turned to pianists for jazz training.
I believe music education thrives when it's personal, hands-on, and rooted in real-time interaction. I take a genuine interest in each student—their goals, their sound, and who they are—because creativity cannot be separated from the individual behind it.
My teaching style blends mentorship with practical tools, encouraging students to embrace new challenges and develop their musical voice. I use live feedback to guide growth in the moment, helping students go beyond mere content to arrive at a more meaningful performance.
With decades of experience in music, I’ve had the privilege of mentoring countless students who have gone on to become expert musicians. I believe that great music education isn’t just about information—it’s about transformation. Books and videos can offer knowledge, but real progress comes from direct guidance, creative challenge, and consistent support. This is what guides my teaching philosophy.
The studio has attracted students not just from Dayton and its outlying areas, but also from Cincinnati, Columbus and well beyond. The professional and personal network of current and past students is large and the mutual support and kinship demonstrated routinely is virtually unsurpassed.
- Eric Zadan
Topics of Study
Theory and harmony
Scales, melodic patterns and exercises
Voicings for piano and guitar
Reharmonization
Ear training
Improvisational devices and concepts
Solo transcription and analysis
Chart and lead sheet reading
Rhythm section skills
Ensemble performance
Accompanying a vocalist
Jazz styles and interpretation
Arranging and composition
Jazz history
Listening samples
Repertoire development
Other genres (classical, rock, blues, soul, R&B)
Secondary jazz piano (for non-pianists)
Pedagogy
Artistry and professionalism
Recording studio techniques
In-House performances
Successfully obtaining and promoting gigs
Business of music