About The Authors of Music Room

Zach Himelhoch

Co-Author

Zachary Himelhoch is a music educator, performer, producer, author, and clinician based in Chicago. In all of his work, Zachary aims to build community and connect people through music.  Zachary is an adjunct faculty member in The Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University and in the MECA program at VanderCook College of Music where he focuses on training Educators in percussion techniques for the classroom. 

Zachary created and directed The DrumHeadz, a multi-school world percussion program in Nashville Public Schools and has worked as a consultant for Quaver Ed.  He has previously published Priscilla Plays Percussion through F-flat Books and through his own publishing imprint CitySide Books.  As a performer, Zachary has worked with a wide range of artists, including; Chance the Rapper, Andy Narell, Etienne Charles, The Cool Kids, The O’My’s, Daru Jones, and more.  Zachary lives in Oak Park, IL with his wife, Heather and daughter Charli.

Otto Gross

Co-Author

Berklee College of Music is an amazing incubator  for musical talent. Otto Gross, a Cum Laude graduate  of the prestigious college is proof, having performed  with artists including multi-Grammy  ® Award legends  Bobby McFerrin, David Sanborn and CeCe Winans. As a Musical Director, Otto has toured countries in Europe, The Middle East and the U.S., leading musicians and vocalists in performances of all sorts with his rhythmically animated personality and engaging, quirky style.

As a Creative Director, Otto combines a knowledge of pedagogy with  exceptional skill in captivating children and adults. He often  does  workshops, performances and assemblies across the country where he interacts with audiences of all sizes, inspiring a new excitement for music,  education, and life. Otto has a deep passion to see people connect with  music no matter their background and is always inspired to spread that  passion everywhere he goes.   Otto lives in Nashville, TN with his Wife, Jayna and three kids, Otto III, Nova and Nora.