Karol Zabka

Karol Zabka is a drummer from Slovakia. His first step towards music was studying piano from the age of 7. When he was 15, he started to play the drums. After high school in 2009, Karol auditioned for the Jaroslav Jezek Music Conservatory in Prague and was accepted. It was the first time he received an education focused on jazz music. He was fortunate to study under the direction of well-known Czech jazz musicians Martin Sulc, David Doruzka, and Jaromir Honzak. While studying jazz, Karol was also exposed to a variety of styles of music.

Karol graduated conservatory with a diploma in music in 2012 and remained in Prague where he collaborated with artists in the Czech music scene. In 2014, Karol decided to grow his musical knowledge and apply to study at Berklee College of Music where he was honored to receive a scholarship award. At Berklee, he studied a Music Performance major. His main focus was to perfect his jazz language, studying with top musicians like Ralph Peterson, Neal Smith, and Darren Barrett who helped him improve his musicianship. In 2017 He had an opportunity to record with Ralph Peterson’s Gen Next Big Band, and the live album I Remember Bu was released in October 2018 including special guest Donald Harrison. During his studies in Boston, Karol unceasingly sought performance experience not only within the college campus. He has worked with many talented musicians while constantly developing his musical knowledge, strengthening his dedication, and fulfilling his passion for music. Karol graduated from Berklee in December 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in music performance and is a drum teacher at the School of Rock in Huntington, Queens, Rockville Centre, Roslyn and Syosset/Oyster Bay.