Zindars' jazz compositions were recorded regularly by pianist Bill Evans and appeared on albums by saxophonist Cannonball Adderly, drummer Tony Williams, trumpeter Donald Byrd, and others. The International Chamber Orchestra of Rome, San Jose Symphony Orchestra, San Francisco Chamber Players, and the chorus and brass section of the San Francisco Symphony performed his classical works.

Born in Chicago, Zindar studied at DePaul University, Northwestern University, and Oxford. He and his wife, vocalist Ann Bohigan, settled in San Francisco in 1963. He taught at San Francisco State College and played the timpani with the San Francisco Golden Gate Park Band.