After working with Zack Uidl in the recording studio, it became apparent that I was working with a gifted and talented musician. With great proficiency and skill, Zack learned several songs within a week and was able to record them very quickly. I feel confident that these songs will now get the attention of producers and record labels as I submit them with excellent guitar playing. As a producer and arranger, it is always nice to know excellent musicians who can learn quickly and dedicate himself to a project.
Jim Molina
Owner of The Oakbrook Academy of Music & Art and Blue Studios Recording
Nick Layton
Zack is one of the coolest guitarists I've met in the business...great player and a great guy. Any student or band would be fortunate to be involved with him.
Zack Uidl first came to me as young student still in High School. I immediately saw two things in Zack. The first was MASSIVE amounts of musical potential. The second was a young kid with self-doubt about what he might be able to achieve both as a musician and as a professional musician in the music industry. Over time, Zack finally came to believe in both his musical talents, but also in the very real possibility of evolving into a professional guitars and musician. There now exists a new power within Zack. A FIRE that continually grows in him. The fire burns stronger with the increasing fuel of desire. Zack's talents today are light years from where they began.... That trend will continue to grow each day. Much lies within the grasp of this young guitarist..!
I have been working with Zack for almost a year teaching together at JC's guitars. In that time I have seen a whole lot of focus and dedication put into his teaching. Not only that, I have also seen a lot of dedication from his students. It takes a certain type of teacher to be able to get his students involved and determined enough to produce such results. It takes a teacher of high quality. I have personally experienced his teaching capabilities at the "The Next Step" guitar workshop in which he gave indepth and thorough descriptions with examples of progressive guitar techniques and ideas. I was impressed by his approach. He was able to present the information in a very understandable and creative way! Zack really impresses me with the amount of work he gets done in such a small amount of time. What can I say Zack? YOU DA MAN!
Zack Uidl is a phenomenal guitarist who has profound knowledge and wisdom in not only the composing and playing of music, but also instructing others in it. I was honored to share the stage with him and discuss different compositional techniques at "The Next Step" guitar clinic in Oak Brook, IL at the Oak Brook Academy of Music and Art. I can honestly state that the music industry is in for a bright new virtuoso with something important to say.
Zack Uidl is one of the most serious musicians I've ever met or could even think of. His dedication to his instrument and craft is the kind you hear stories about years later. He is a focused individual who can achieve most anything he puts his mind to, and when it comes to the guitar, the amount of time and effort he has put in is more than evident. He continues to push his talents to greater levels constantly, and he is definitely in the upper echelon of his contemporaries. Zack is a train that if you choose to hook your car behind, he will lead you far.
Sam Hasting
Dr. Thomas Takayama
Zack Uidl is a very talented and versatile guitarist. His interest and knowledge of the many different music genres has only enhanced his overall musicianship. He certainly has a bright future ahead of him as a musician, performer, and teacher.
Dr. Thomas Takayama
Department Chair of Music
McHenry County College
Mike Philippov
Zack is a rare combination of a great guitarist and a great teacher. His talent and drive set him apart from most guitarists of today. I taught together with Zack at the "Next Step" guitar clinic in Oak Brook, IL and I was very impressed by his musical skills as well as his teaching abilities.
Zack is a great guitar player. It is great to see a player with not just a strong technical background but also an interest in theory and different styles of music. You can tell he has a true love for music and will produce nothing but quality.
I have had the great honor and opportunity to play along side this amazing guitar player in a jazz ensemble. He is very knowledgable at guitar and is always helping me to progress in the fine music of jazz. His knowledge of music and musical genres are extensive, and he moves from genere to genere with great ease. His advice has been very helpful. I would describe Zack's playing style nothing short of virtuosic.
Adam DeVries
Eric Prusinski
Zack Uidl is one of the most extraordinary guitarists/musicians that I have performed with! And that is an understatement my friends! I have had the opportunity of performing along side him numerous times for the WCA. Being a drummer, I was so intrigued with his amazing ability to play a guitar. His amazing technique and ability exceeds many whom are twice even three times his age. His dedication and interest of this instrument just shows you how much he loves the guitar. You can expect to hear a lot more from him in the future. Zack, I have learned so much through performing and playing with you. Thanks for being a great friend and inspiration. Keep it up!!! My blessings are always with you. God Bless.
Eric Prusinski (SKI)
Joel Johns
Zack is one smokin guitar player. Not only does he play the "normal" 6 strings better than most people I know, he takes on one more and that is just sick. Zack has a profound understanding of music and theory and is always trying to bend and break the bar of developing new musical styles and sounds. He has a fantastic heart of a teacher as well and is always my first referral to people when they ask about guitar lessons because I know he has patience and is able to communicate even the basics of guitar in an easily understandable way. That is why I think the DVDs will be a great tool! Zack is always a pleasure to work with. Keep it up dude.
Joel Johns
Worship/Music Director
WCCC, McHenry County
Dave Cardwell
When I first met Zack, it was immediately clear what a genuinely nice person he is, and how incredibly hard he works, not to mention his massive musical talent. Now that I've had the chance to work with him closely on an upcoming album project, Zack's many strengths and abilities are as obvious as they are indispensable. His effortlessly fluid lead technique, his advanced grasp of composition and rhythm, his work ethic and attitude have all been critical to the success of this project, and I know those same qualities will ensure the success of many more to come. I'm looking forward to working with Zack again, and would recommend his abilities highly to anyone.
Zack plays with an awesome command of the guitar. Whether it's flowing melodies, intricate rhythms or full on shred, he is a top notch player. He is also a pleasure to know as a person, full of passion and fire for music and life.
Zack Uidl is a true virtuoso of guitar as well as a master
of theory and audio engineering. He is easily one of the most talented
musicians and instructors that I’ve ever met. He has an incredible ability to
break down exercises and techniques and explain them in ways that the student
can grasp and understand. His methods of teaching can take any student’s guitar
playing to the next level, whether the student is a beginner or highly advanced
player. Zack is a truly inspiring musician and above all he is a hard working, great
guy that strives to see his students meet their goals.
You are a truly great teacher and I really want to tell you that. Not because I
am getting results but just a bunch of other things I have picked up in the way
you teach me and the things you say.
I really got 100% better these last 2 lessons but even more you have inspired
me to also become a better and better teacher. I could never see how teaching
could be rewarding but this last 4 weeks my students have also progressed so
much and we have really started to build relationships which is totally
awesome.
So basically thank you for making me a better guitar player and a better
teacher.
Thanks again and keep well.
George Engelbrecht - Guitar/Music Student
Frank Picha
I have been studying with Zack for several months now and can highly recommend
him. Why? Results!! Zack has a strong foundation in music theory and is an
accomplished player, songwriter, and session musician. He is the real deal, not
a student teaching a student. Zack is able to explain complex theoretical
concepts in simple, understandable terms, and is very patient and professional.
Zack is motivating and really cares about your development. Best of all, he
shows you how to quickly implement musical tools and concepts into your
playing. I learned many scales and arpeggios in the past that I never used
because I did not recognize how or when to apply them in real musical
situations. Zack showed me how. If it is results you desire, whether for
reading, improvising, songwriting or related topics, Zack is the teacher for
you.
Frank Picha - Guitar / Music Student
Kathleen Long
Zack Uidl is definitely an accomplished musician and teacher so when my son wanted to start lessons with him, I knew that he'd learn music. What I didn't know, is how much Zack would influence my son's character. Zack has an honest interest in the development of his students as people, not just musicians. As a parent of a teenager I can't tell you the joy it brings me to have someone like Zack involved in my son's life.
Zack is far more than a great guitar teacher. He is an amazing role model for my son, showing him how to pursue his passion for music, and at the same time, how to stay true to who he was created to be in the world. What a gift!
Kathleen Long - Parent of Guitar/Music Student
John Wright
Although I’ve only been taking lessons with Zack for a short period of around 5 months, he has helped me learn so much. Not only has he guided me through how to play guitar properly, helping me with techniques, and giving me helpful pointers when needed, he has also helped me to understand much about how music is created using scales, chords, arpeggios and so on. When I first met him I was dumbfounded at how good of a guitarist he was, and still am. Though only knowing him for a few months, I can, with confidence, say that Zack is an astonishingly good guitarist, a dedicated musician, a helpful and understanding teacher, and one hell of a funny guy. I can honestly say that studying with Zack has helped me improve myself as a guitarist and a musician.
John Wright
Guitar / Music Student
Gidget Kirk
As an instructor, Zack has a rare combination of gifts - amazing musical skill, tons of patience, and a strong ability to teach. I cam to the lessons with a modest skill level having learned on my own through trial and error. Lead a worship team I am asked to sing, play my guitar, arrange the songs, and work with the band. Zack was quickly able to determine how best to approach our sessions. Everything I learned was able to directly apply to what I was playing at the time and find I continue to use these skills on a regular basis.
Even though I signed up for guitar lessons, I learned much more that just chords and picking patterns. Zack has a broad range of musical knowledge and was able to pass on tips for song arranging and working with my band that have made me a better worship leader and musician. Zack is easy to work with, flexible, and very patient.
I would highly recommend Zack as an instructor for anyone who wants more than just guitar basics - he will help you become a better musician.
Gidget Kirk
Guitar/Music Student
Robert Harris
Zack has been able to help and challenge me to get me so much further in my
own practice and creativity, and reaching my own goals in such a short
amount of time. He goes out of his way to work with me without hesitation.
Every problem or question I have had, Zack has been able to help in such a
way that is easy to understand and apply.
Robert Harris
Guitar/Music Student
Derek Allen
Zack has helped my realize my goals and act on them in a confident manner. Every lesson is filled to the brink with more information and I always leave feeling excited and ready to try new things.
Derek Allen
Guitar/Music Student
Tami Sanders
There are early bloomers and there are late bloomers.
There are the "gifted" and there are the "ed-gifts".
There are the young and there are the...eh...em...well...never mind;
the late bloomers.
My first day of lesson's with this "musical prodigy" (as I was informed) was exciting, but also a little scary.
A "little" past my prime I was finally about to begin what had been a life long hope and dream of mine; music lessons. Learning to read, write and play music!
As Miss "C" from JC's was walking with me to my first lesson I hesitated and looked at her and asked, "Does he know I don't know ANYTHING?"
I don't know what I was expecting to find, but what I found was a very talented, gifted, humble, passionate, dedicated, very patient, young teacher with a big heart!
What I don't understand, Zack rearranges and puts it in a way that I can understand, to learn and grow. To slow himself down in time and in talent to teach me is a wonderful gift and a testimony of his character. Gifted teachers who know their stuff and want to see their students succeed have a niche' at customizing their student's lessons so they'll be able to do just that. Making hopes and dreams come true. Far and few in between is this young man who I'm honored to have met and have as my instructor and friend.
This late bloomer is grateful for the musical ed-gift from the young gifted early bloomer.
Anyone; young, late bloomers or in between,
beginner, intermediate or pro would be lucky to have Zack as a teacher and/or project partner!
Blessings and all the best for you in all your future endeavors!
Tami Sanders
Guitar/Music Student
Mike Horn
Zack has been an outstanding instructor for the year and a half I've been taking lessons with him. I actually switched from another music shop to take lessons with him because he seemed to fit my learning style much better. Not only was it obvious he knew how to play well, but also how to take the time to help me play better too. Going to my lessons with Zack is something I still look forward to each week even though I have to wake up early on Saturdays. Great times with a Great Guitar Instructor!
Mike Horn
Guitar/Music Student
Uriah Fracassi
Zack Uidl- THE coolest guitar player I know or know of. He's helped me, in just the short time I've known him, to increase my playing ability by alot. He's an amazing guitar player and is always cool about anything guitar related or anything else. Since even the first time I met him I instantly felt comfortable talking to him, which is rare with people that are older than me or are teachers. Just the fact that I can E-mail him and he has own website is awesome, I mean come onnnnn! It's pretty cool at school I can log on to his website and show a video of him playing and say, "Yeah thats MY guitar teacher". Right now I would've been stuck in a one-mode/scale style of playing if it weren't for him. He is a true inspiration to me and I admire him greatly. He is Superman.
Uriah Fracassi, Guitar/Music Student
Eli Wekony
Zack,
You are the greatest music teacher I have ever had. You have been one of my biggest inspirations for wanting to improve my guitar playing. You made it easy for me to learn and always kept me learning. I am definitely honored to be one of your students. I’m so glad I can still learn from you even though I live 1200 miles away. If I would not have taken lessons from you I don’t know where I would be. I'm so glad to have met you and hope to keep in touch with you throughout life.
Eli Wekony, Guitar/Music Student
Nels Johnson
There are only two words that can describe Zack Uidl. Those words are sheer brilliance. When I first started taking lessons with a different instructor, all I got out of that was playing Louie Louie. Then I began lessons with Zack, everything changed. I learned so much in such little time. In two months, I learned more from him than I have in 5 months of self-teaching and the other lessons. I knew that Zack was the only person that could teach me what I wanted to achieve as a guitarist. Everything I know about guitar is from Zack Uidl, guitarist extraordinaire, musical genius, but most of all an AMAZING TEACHER. Thanks for everything.
Nels Johnson, Guitar/Music Student
Justin Reckamp
I have been studying with Zack Uidl for a little over 6 months and I can honestly say that without him I would have no idea where I would be right now. Zack is a very motivated and inspiring person to be around on so many different levels even other than music. Every week I take a lesson with him I feel that I am much closer to reaching my goals as a musician. Studying under Zack has showed me a world of opportunities that I once thought were not possible. His ability to overcome obstacles as a musician and never quit is astounding and seems to never slow down. He is the man. Put on your seatbelts people because what I am about to tell may shock you.
Zack, at his young age, has already done things that most people only hope to come close to accomplishing in a lifetime. Zack is a professional guitarist with international recognition and is endorsed by numerous companies, on of which is currently designing his own 8-string guitar model, yeah… not six, not seven…but eight strings (Conklin Guitars). He has studied with countless virtuoso/professional teachers and he constantly releases instructional products and books as well as numerous articles on various websites. He gives guitar clinics all over the world and has taught at Camp Jam, played with tons of well-known musicians around the world, and writes and records his own music for CDs. He is also a session guitarist that does projects for tons of different things. And to top it all, he is kind enough to take the little time he has to share his knowledge and talent with the rest of us who want to follow our dreams as he did. Maybe that seems weird to say but after your teacher says that he hasn’t slept in 3 days and he drink a pots of coffee each day, yet still makes time to help you reach your goals, makes you appreciate a lot.
He is always willing to help his students out anyway he can, even is its not at the lesson. I cannot even guess how many times I have directly contacted Zack because of a small question or problem. I would usually be hesitant of asking a great virtuoso guitarist questions about things I know are small, but Zack is always trying to make his students into the musician they want to become. If I weren’t studying with Zack I would see my huge dreams as a far fetched fantasy that would only seem possible in the twilight zone. But after taking one lesson, out of the many lessons I have had with him, I have realized that with a burning passion and a great teacher, anything is very well possible. If anyone is in search to make their dream into a reality, whether you are a beginner or 20 year wood shedder, I would STRONGLY recommend Zack Uidl not only as a teacher, but also a good friend. I know seems a little bit cheesy but I assure you that you will quickly discover that it is the truth. Do yourself a favor people…
Justin Reckamp, Guitar/Music Student
Trevor Scott
Zack Uidl is one of the most talented musicians I've ever heard of and a cool person to have met and been taught by. His playing skills and knowledge of music surpass many. One of the hardest working people I know that wants to go and acheive his goals, his dreams. His knowledge of theory and technique is a force to be reckoned with a unique style of playing and a vast range of music genres in his arsenal of musical weaponery. His talent is great and knowledge will grow and will become one of the best ever. A dream that will one day soon be fufilled by this outstanding, musically inclined human being. It's an honor to be a student of Zack Uidl and I look forward to every lesson I have with him and am willing to learn and practice whatever he throws at me. A great guitarist, a great musician, teacher, and friend. He's got an AXE and he's not afraid to use it!
Trevor Scott, Guitar/Music Student
Brian Tabick
Zack, you are avery talented musician, and I am very greatful that you are my teacher. Even when I don't understand how to do something you always have a better way of telling me so I do understand. I have never heard anyone play the guitar the way you do. You are very dedicated to the guitar and to all of your students. I like the way you take so many diffrent genres of music and put them together. You inspire me to keep practicing and strive to be a better guitar player.
I just wanted to let you know that last Thursday the 9th, I ordered your e-book "The Ultimate Sweep Picker's Guide" and it is a great addition to my music study portfolio. In clear, concise language it explains the esoteric realm of advanced playing in bites that are easily chewed and digested. It was a great birthday present to receive, courtesy of my wonderful wife.
It is in-depth for sure but it doesn't bog or cloud your thinking. It paints a real picture on a technique that has been shrouded in mystery and is to be believed something held only for pros. Sure, it isn't easy and you must apply yourself and be dedicated and patient. But, it does prove if you are given the tools and the great instruction, you can achieve as well.
Everyone wants their french fries hot and now. For me, it's refreshing to plant the seed and nurture the potato. The e-book proves this and I am enjoying and digging this new breath of air.
Thank you both for sharing your knowledge, wisdom and words! I most appreciate it!
Tim Pratt
Jonathan Vipond
I've always been a fan of Zack's playing but 'Insomnia' the tables have really been turned. This album is a true tour de force of instrumental guitar with as much attention to the compositional content as to the guitar playing and slick and sometimes brutal production. With this, the standards have been set for a new generation of guitar based musicians. I look forward to hearing more from this incredible player and musician.
Having knowing Zack Uidl for a few years now I had high hopes for this
record and it exeeded my expectations.
Unlike some intrumental guitar CD's, Insomnia is a strong, cohesive work
with common themes running throughout, and not just a bunch of disparate
songs strewn together.
The songwriting and musicianship are excellent. The opening/ title track
reminds me of the old-school Shrapnel instrumental records that I listened
to years ago.
The songs are slightly progressive, yet not challenging to listen to as
some progressive music can be (at least for me personally.)
I highly recommend Zack Uidl's Insomnia to all fans of instrumental rock/
metal guitar.
Hello Zack,
My name is Thomas Gramolini. I just recently started working with your dvd, extremely helpful. I've been playing guitar on a serious level for about six years now. I personally feel I'm finally at the point where my playing has been getting significantly better and I just purchased my first seven string. Your DVD has helped me and saved me so much time it's insane. I just recently beagn studying theory as well in college so I was spending alot of time working on mapping out scales, modes, and chords as you had mentioned. You saved me so much! This dvd is truly great. Another thing that's helping a ton is the meter part. Meter is something I'm not good at. The way you broke it down with the excercises is incresing my ability to count the meter out so much. I won't keep going but I truly appreciate this instructional. Your help will not be forgotten and I hope to be able to thank you personally some day. Keep up the good work and I promise to keep learning. Thanks much, Thomas Gramolini!
Thomas Gramolini, Music/Educational Product Fan
Jeff Treadwell - 7-String DVD
Zack's Progressive 7-String Guitar DVD is great. Rather than throwing a bunch of random licks at you he gives you many interesting patterns for someone to come up with their own ideas. I also might note that this is the only instructional DVD I have come across that can give you valuable information on song writing, rhythms, and time signatures. Thats unheard in a "shred" DVD. A must have for any progressive rocker from beginner to advanced. You don't even have to be a 7-string player to benefit from this instructional!!