A seasoned performer and educator, Cruikshank has been performing professionally since 1994, working across a wide range of musical styles including blues, classic rock, jazz, funk, fusion, and acoustic fingerstyle guitar. His early career in New England included a successful run with the funk/blues band Brick House, where he recorded original music, built a strong regional following, and opened for national acts. 

Cruikshank went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Guitar Performance from McNally Smith College of Music in Minnesota. During his 18 years in Minnesota, he performed extensively as a solo artist and collaborator, recorded albums of original jazz and acoustic compositions, and developed a strong reputation as an educator. He spent five years on the faculty at the MacPhail Center for Music, one of the nation’s largest community-based music education nonprofits, where he taught students of all ages and levels in both group and private settings. 

Since returning to his home state of New Hampshire in 2019, Zeb has remained an active performer and educator, continuing to share his passion for music through lessons and live performances throughout the region. 

In his role as Director of Education, Cruikshank will oversee MCMS’s educational programming and help expand opportunities for community outreach. His leadership will play a key role in advancing MCMS’s mission of changing lives through the power of learning, sharing, and making music. 

“We are thrilled to welcome Zeb to this new role,” said Polly Towner, Executive Director of MCMS. “His depth of experience and commitment to education make him the perfect person to coordinate our programs in the school as well as out in the community.” 

Manchester Community Music School has been serving the Greater Manchester community since 1983, providing high-quality music education, performance opportunities, and music therapy services to students of all ages and abilities. 

Connect and Support our Mission 

MCMS thrives through strong community partnerships that help bring music beyond our walls and into the places where it’s needed most. If your organization is interested in bringing music education, performance, or therapy programming to your site, we invite you to connect with our Director of Education, Zeb Cruikshank at education@mcmusicschool.org 

Together, we can expand access to meaningful music experiences and ensure that music remains accessible to all in our community.