Griffin's Music is based in Kelowna, BC, and services the Okanagan and beyond. We offer budget-friendly lessons, instruments, rentals, accessories, maintenance and repairs, as well as live and recorded music services for students, families, schools, working musicians, and the general public. Anything music-related, we're here to help!
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Zach Griffin is well-known in the Okanagan music scene as a saxophonist and music educator. After completing degrees in Jazz Performance (UofT, 2019) and Education (UBC, 2020), Zach began teaching in SD23 and has co-led the OKM Music program since 2021. An active freelancer in jazz, rock, wedding, and DJ groups, Zach also plays saxophone in the bands Rock Steady, The Passion of Amy Winehouse, the Moonlight Jazz Society house band, and the BCIJF Big Band. Zach has performed with the Munro/Patrick Band, the Gary Cable Project, and the Anthony D'Alessandro Quartet (feat. Benny Benack III, Jonathan Chapman, and Ernesto Cervini). In July of 2025, he started the Zach Griffin Jazz Orchestra (ZGJO), a 17-piece band that features Zach singing and playing saxophone. Zach is an LMS Entertainment on-call musician (for their Elvis and Elton John Tribute bands), and can be heard playing woodwinds on the albums Embargo and TRADBURNER on streaming services. In January of 2026, Zach started the Griffin Music Society, an incorporated Non-Profit Organization with a purpose of promoting, organizing, and supporting music education and community engagement through public performances, events, and workshops.
Zach offers a variety of services as a performer on saxophones, flutes, clarinets, piano, guitar, bass, and vocals, and as a composer and arranger for all instruments and orchestrations. During his time in Toronto in music school, he had the opportunity to study with Canadian jazz legends and Juno award winners such as Mike Murley, Terry Promane, Kelly Jefferson, and Dave Young. Zach also learned closely from Andrew Downing, John Johnson, Tara Davidson, Chase Sanborn, Jim Lewis, Gary Williamson, and Dave Neill.
One of the many highlights in Zach's musical career was to open for and meet jazz legend Herbie Hancock at the 2018 Ottawa Jazz Festival. Another highlight was working with international jazz artsts such as Tim Hagans, Henry Cole, and Oskar Guojonsson at the Engelsholm Jazz Workshop in Denmark.
Early life: Zach was born in Kelowna, BC, and took piano and guitar lessons from age 5-14 before starting private saxophone lessons with Craig Thomson from 14-17. Zach's elementary music teacher was guitarist Joe Lajoie; middle school teachers were Erika Sinhuber and Tamiko McLean, and high school teachers were Craig Thomson and Kimberly Kleineberg.
Currently, Zach teaches jazz bands, concert bands, choir, musical theatre, music theory, composition and songwriting, jazz combo, commercial music, and orchestral strings for grades 9-12 at Okanagan Mission Secondary School in Kelowna, BC, Canada. Zach loves his job and getting to work with his best friend and teaching partner, Megan Frederick, to inspire passion and the love of music to their students gives his life meaning.
Some accolades Zach has received over the years include the following:
2019 - Danish Conservatory of Music Engelsholm Jazz Workshop Participant (FMUA grant)
2018 - TD Jazz Youth Summit - "Take Five Plus Five" Harvey and Louise Glatt Scholarship Award
2018 - TD Ottawa Jazz Festival Youth Summit Participant
2017 - Fraser MacPherson Jazz Fund Scholarship Top Five Finalist
2015 - University of Toronto - Moe Koffman Memorial Jazz Scholarship
2015 - University of Toronto - Anna Margaret Wallace and William Alexander McCoy Scholarship
2015 - University of Toronto - Paul Read Jazz Scholarship2013 - BCIJF Junior III Woodwind Combo Player Award
2015 - Humber College Youth Jazz Canada Workshop Scholarship Recipient
2015 - MBSS Most Outstanding Musician Award
2015 - BCIJF Senior Woodwind Combo Player
2015 - BCIJF Senior Woodwind Soloist (Michael Garding Award)
2014 - MBSS Most Consistent Musician Award
2014 - MBSS Jazz Choir Award
2014 - BCIJF Most Promising Soloist in the Festival Award
2014 - BCIJF Intermediate Woodwind Combo Player
2014 - BCIJF Intermediate Woodwind Soloist (Craig Thomson Award)
2014 - MusicFest Canada - Honour Award (MBSS Jazz Band 11)
2014 - MusicFest Canada - Honour Award (MBSS Jazz Combo 11 "Griffin's Groove")
2014 - MusicFest Canada - Honour Award (MBSS Concert Band 11/12)
2014 - University of Idaho - Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival - Noteworthy Performance Award
2013 - MBSS Grade 10 Jazz Outstanding Contribution Award
2013 - MBSS Jazz Choir Award
2011 - BCIJF Junior V Brass Soloist Award
Testimonials:
"Zach was absolutely phenomenal at our wedding. Easy to book, chat with, and the crowd adored him. He played every requested song with ease. He even helped me fix my veil before walking down the aisle, haha. Look no further for the best live entertainment for any event, Zach is your guy!”
- Nicole Mikaluk, Client
"I always feel lucky when I get to work with Zach Griffin. Not only is he one of best saxophonists around, but he brings a joy that is easy to be around and puts you at ease. He’s always prepared and professional and I know I can count on him. On top of that, he’s an excellent educator and has mentored many budding musicians to excellence. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him very highly."
- Stefan Bienz, Bassist
"Zach is an exceptional musician and a true professional. As a DJ, I’ve had the pleasure of performing alongside him, and his ability to seamlessly improvise over my music is incredible. His ear for music allows him to instantly lock into any track, elevating the energy and atmosphere of every event. He brings a unique, live element that audiences love, and I’m always excited when we get to work together. If you’re considering a sax player for your event, Zach is the best!
- John Byrne, DJ
"Zach has been an integral part of many of LMS Entertainment show productions from corporate gigs to weddings to touring theatre shows. Zach brings the fire to every stage that we present our shows!"
- Mike Schell, LMS/Trumpeter
"Zach Griffin is a great saxophone player and musical force in the B.C. music scene. He's an inspiring teacher to his students, working hard to create unforgettable opportunities for them, while continuing the legacy of excellent music education in the Okanagan! I'm honoured to call him a colleague and friend.
- Anthony D'Alessandro, Juno-nominated Pianist
"Zach Griffin stepped in as a deputy for my Christmas Presence! show when my regular woodwind player was suddenly unavailable. Not only did Zach nail every nuance of the original arrangements, but he was a true team player. He came in prepared, professional, and a pleasure to work with both in rehearsal and on stage. He brought great energy, looked sharp, and made the whole experience fun for everyone. Zach is the full package: talented, reliable, and a fantastic addition to any ensemble."
- Anna Jacyszyn, Jazz Singer/Actress/Entertainer
"As a DJ, I always love the opportunity to collaborate with Zach. His ability to elevate the energy in real time is next level. He doesn’t just play over the music, he becomes part of it, blending seamlessly into the set. He’s professional, consistent, amazingly versatile and always prepared. Zach communicates clearly and delivers a high-quality performance every time. Whether it’s a wedding or a corporate event, he knows exactly how to create those unforgettable moments. I can’t recommend Zach enough!
-Kalani, DJ Krucial K “The Flyin’ Hawaiian”
List of people Zach has played with: Alexander Argatoff, Anthony Argatoff, Emily Denison, Harrison Argatoff, Joe Auty, Cole Bach, Spencer Bach, Hannah Barstow, Keith Barstow, Riley Berhaudin, Stefan Bienz, Neville Bowman, Mike Brown, David Bruce, John Byrne, Alex Buck, Simon Buck, Stephen Buck, Ayla Buckberry, Marquis Byrd, Aaron Cassidy, Charlene Chrisholm, Bill Clarke, Juhli Conlinn, Darko Cuk, Tara Davidson, Spencer Dean, Anthony D'Alessandro, Alex Diaz, Makayla Dobbs, Nick Donovan, Quinten Dreger, James Dueck, Nicholas Dyson, Jessica Edwards (nee Zraly), Stephen Edwards, Madeleine Ertel, Max Filazek, Matt Fitzgerald, Noah Franche-Nolan, Megan Frederick, Sheila French, Will Friesen, Ben Frost, Scott Gamble, Justin Glibbery, Kimberly Gorman, Ryan Grenier, Sam Griffin, Paul (guitar), Graeme Haw, Mike Herauf, Tim Hirtz, David Hodgson, Simon Huculiak, Anna Jacyszyn, Kelly Jefferson, Nathaniel Jenkins, Branden Jewsbury, John Johnson, Jordan Manderioli, Chris Manuel, Chris McCann, Dan McClelland, Ian McGimpsey, Noah McInstosh, Michelle Melnicky, Tyson Meraw, Loni Moger, Connor Murdock, Mike Murley, Liam Nadurak, Mac Nazer, Madi Nazer, Luke Nickel, Jessica O'Brien, Scott Patrick, Rachel Layne, Eric Peng, Chris Perry, Ruth Pontalti, James Prescott, Kelly Purdue, Marshall Rasmussen, Rob Rogers, David Rourke, Francisco Rubio, Tyler Ruschiensky, Coral Russell, Jeff Saunders, Mike Schell, Jiwon Shin, Erika Sinhuber, Cole Smith, Chris Startup, Loraine Taylor, Jacqueline Teh, Michelle Teh, Craig Thomson, Nikola Tosic, Dave Varga, Ethan Vaughan, Harrison Vetro, Gabriel Vizcaino, Griffin Vona, Sarah Wandy, Malee Williams, Karen Wiseman,
