Zachary Costello, originally from central Maryland, holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Michigan State University, where he studied under Professor Joseph Lulloff. During his time at Michigan State, Zachary regularly presented solo recitals at events such as the U.S. Navy Band’s annual Saxophone Symposium and the North American Saxophone Alliance (NASA) conference.

Zachary has been recognized both nationally and internationally with numerous accolades to his name. In 2024, he was named a finalist and awarded Sixth Prize at the Andorra Saxfest International Saxophone Competition. The same year, he won second prize at the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) National Solo Competition after winning both the regional and state rounds. Additionally, he was honored with the Hans Schaeuble Award in Switzerland in 2022. Zachary’s accomplishments also include performing as a soloist with the National Classical Orchestra of Andorra.

As a chamber musician, Zachary is the soprano chair of the award-winning saxophone quartet, PULSE. For the past several summers, PULSE members have been artists in residence at the Interlochen Center for the Arts as part of the Sound Garden Project, which aims to plant music

in unexpected places. PULSE has been recognized in numerous competitions including winning the Lift Every Voice Prize at the 2024 Fischoff Chamber Music Competition, 1st Prize at the Glass City Chamber Music Competition, 1st Prize in the NOLA Chamber Music Competition, and 2nd Prize at the Chesapeake Chamber Music Competition. Zachary has also performed as a chamber musician at the Arosa Klassik Festival in Switzerland with multiple ensembles and has appeared in masterclasses led by Vincent David, Lars Mlekusch, Christian Wirth, Timothy McAllister, Otis Murphy, Christopher Creviston, and Stephen Page.

Zachary is currently pursuing a Master of Music degree in Saxophone Performance at the Eastman School of Music where he studies under Professor Chien-Kwan Lin and is a Graduate Assistant.