Pathways Abroad: Student Profile : Zack S.

Zack S. joined us in March of 2011 after completing his wilderness experience at True North in Vermont. Zack was 18 years old and had already written numerous compositions in a folk-indie, singer-songwriter style. He expressed the desire to master digital recording so that he could produce original music in a completely different style than his guitar based songs. During his 9 months with us, he was able to do that (and a lot more)
with style and originality.

Zack Performing Live

Zack is very computer savvy, to put it mildly. Within days he was delving into to very advanced applications on our digital recording software. After a month with us in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, we were off to Malaga, Spain for three months, where we set up the studio in a house surrounded by almond and olive trees with grazing goats and sheep. In Spain, we took a number of side trips to experience the amazing geographical and historical features and landmarks that makes Spain such an wonderful country. In three months, we managed to visit The Alhambra in Granada, the beaches of Tarifa, the coastal desert of Cabo de Gato, the monkeys of Mount Gibraltar, and the bulls of Pamplona.

When we were not traveling, Zack worked diligently on learning Spanish and recording his music.

Hiking in the Southern Argentina

After 3 months Zack returned home for a short visit before joining us in Bariloche, Argentina. In Bariloche, Zack's took his creative work ethic to a whole new level. Spending hours upon hours each day on his work, the quality of Zack's compositions improved to the point that we realized that his CD was going to be a real triumph. Creativity, persistence and hard work combined with a increase in the confidence to take artistic risks led Zack to create over twenty songs with a uniquely original and well crafted sound.

After 2 months in Argentina, we were off to the coast of Chile where Zack continued to refine his sound. To keep things in balance, Zack and the students went to the gym regularly and Zack discovered the benefits of exercise, diet, and a disciplined schedule. Zack's linguistic skills continued to improve, to the point where Zack can now converse casually in Spanish and write and read with confidence.

Zack's Album Cover

Zack returned to the states with a polished instrumental CD, "Ondas", which he has released under the artist name, "Kinack", to positive reviews. Boasting a uniquely melodic sound that fuses electronic rhythms with rich acoustic guitar tones, Zack's album appeals to listeners of all ages and backgrounds. We encourage everyone to give this album a serious listen. Zack's entire album can be previewed and purchased on his musician profile at: http://kinack.bandcamp.com/

Zack is currently attending Colorado state University and is planning on becoming a music therapist.