Greg Zinser is a retired corporate CEO who has spent a lifetime sharing music in extraordinary ways. His most recent is Music123, a unique program provided free to thousands of young children.
“Music is therapeutic. It’s fun, and it has physical and psychological benefits — listening, playing or singing,” he said. “It’s a gift to have music in your life, and I have looked for every opportunity to give that gift to as many people as possible.
“I know from personal experience what an impact music can have.”
Born in 1955 and raised in Ohio along with four siblings, he experienced music at an early age when his mother, who performed on radio in the 1940s, regularly sang to him.
He began playing piano at 8, about the time his father lost his job resulting in much financial stress.
“My parents would argue over money,” Zinser said. “Music was an escape. I would either listen to music or shut the door and play music.”
The family enjoyed music, often singing together around the piano. When they did, Zinser said, “the problems and arguments all disappeared for a while, and we were a happy family.”
He grew to become an accomplished musician, performing at piano bars five nights a week to help pay for college. After graduating in 1976, he relocated to San Diego for a position with an accounting firm.
He eventually worked 20 years for one of the firm’s clients, Vista Hill Foundation, a prominent San Diego social service nonprofit, rising to CEO in 1995. He earned a reputation as a strong manager and was solicited by private businesses. After he left Vista Hill in 2004, Zinser spent 14 years as CEO of various large companies leading their corporate reorganizations.
While pursuing his business career, Zinser maintained a love for sharing music. As Vista Hill CEO, he started a music program for teenagers battling substance abuse, replicated the program for homeless students and taught music to underprivileged students at a charter school.
Music was a central focus of his family that included his late wife, Cheri, and their two sons, Zack and Jason. The boys were raised on music. They joined with their dad in 1991 to form a band, performing at charity events, festivals and private parties.
“It ended in 2004 when Jason left for college,” Zinser said, adding both sons now have music and entertainment-related careers. “Those 13 years were priceless.”
Zinser continued with music, and today at age 70 performs in a band, sponsors jam sessions and stages informal concerts in his driveway for his University City neighborhood, a practice he began during the pandemic.
And he shares music with young children through Music123 (www.music123.org).
Shortly after his retirement in 2018, recognizing the lack of music programs in many elementary schools, Zinser created Music123, a six-week interactive program with weekly 45-60-minute classes for first through fifth (expanded from third) graders.
“Sessions are focused on introducing many different types and aspects of music in a way that is educational, fun and age-appropriate,” Zinser said. “The goal is to create an interest in and appreciation for music that will last a lifetime.
“At the beginning of every class, they march in to John Phillip Souza — I want them to learn rhythm. Then, I play piano or ukulele, and we sing songs. I even do songs with every kid’s name in them. I show them different instruments, types of music, music from around the world and how different music makes you feel,” he said.
“An 8-year-old recently came up after class and said, ‘Mr. Greg, I really like that country music. Where can I find more?’
“Some of the kids have disabilities that make it hard for them to sit still, but not when we’re singing. There is no other program like it.”
Zinser said he has presented Music123 for free to more than 3,000 students at 13 San Diego elementary schools and plans to expand to more schools using volunteer musicians who also want to share the gift of music.
About this series
Goldsmith is a Union-Tribune contributing columnist.
We welcome reader suggestions of people who have done something extraordinary or otherwise educational, inspiring or interesting and who have not received much previous media. Please send suggestions to Jan Goldsmith at jgsandiego@yahoo.com