Passionate Musician Turns to Teaching

   Lecturing from the top of the courtyard amphitheater on one of fall's last sunny days, George Zamzow fuels the fires of his students' passion. Class outside? No problem. The casual yet productive atmosphere of Zamzow's teaching environment allows students to relax. It's so much fun, you almost forget you're in a class.
   From teaching writing at Linn Benton Community College to soaking up the Florida sun, his journey from state to state ranges from sorrow-inducing to heartwarming.
   After growing up in a small town in Pennsylvania, Zamzow just wanted to get out. He decided to attend Florida State University instead the University of Pittsburgh because of its scholarship package, school of music, and warm weather.
   As he lost interest in classical percussion instruments, Zamzow sought a area of study. In the wake of the presidential election of 2000 and the terrorist attacks on September 11th, Zamzow turned to political science and learned how difficult it is to make political change.

    Zamzow discovered the weaknesses of Florida State's political science program and turned to literature. Soon thereafter, his love of songwriting merged with his love of literature, eventually resulting in a BA and MFA in creative writing.
   After the economic collapse, Zamzow lost his job and had to leave the San Francisco bay area. In 2009, he moved Eugene Oregon, and has been teaching at LBCC ever since.
   His favorite part about teaching Writing 115, Writing 121, and Writing 122 at LBCC is that he gets to work with the entire student body. He enjoys teaching writing, but would like to start teaching literature and creative writing as well.
Zamzow believes that art comes from special attention and heart. At its core, art's power comes from an artist's relationship to his or her work. Almost anything can be art, as long as it pays special attention to the little things; it has to stop and smell the roses. Even pop music can be art, just look at the Beatles.
   Although he doesn't consider himself a dogmatic art snob, he does believe there are some guidelines for writing to be called art. A writer, more than any other artist, must pay special attention to the language he or she chooses, when constructing a work. The language and word choice must have a special relationship and flow that offers readers a new perspective about life.
   Even though he decided not to major in music, Zamzow remains as passionate about music as he's ever been. Although he's added singing and guitar playing to his repertoire, playing the drums will always be his first passion. In fact, that's how his teaching experience began; he would teach drum lessons.
      Zamzow plans to release a silly and serious album by the summer of 2013, influenced by Neil Young, the Beatles, Bob Dylan, Beck, Björk, the Talking Heads, Frank Zappa, and the Flaming Lips.
   Even if you can't sign up for one of his classes, check out his instructor webpage or shoot him an email; you won't regret it.


At a glance:
George Zamzow
LBCC writing instructor
Musician
Album release: Summer 2013