About Dave
“I’ve loved music for as long as I can remember. My father was a DJ at his college radio station when I was an infant so I’d listen to him at night. There’s even tape of me goo-gooing on the air. Dad exposed me to a lot of soul, R&B and tons of smooth jazz (when the format really solidified) and Mom brought in the opera, symphonic, country and the list goes on. I was also a teenager in the 90’s and I listened to everything from Metallica to Luther, Dr. Dre to Fourplay. So as you can imagine my iPod is a collection of randomness. That said, my love of classical music has never wavered. I look forward to continuing that vein of my music journey in the near future.
I’m thrilled that I’m finally getting to do what I’ve always wanted to do. The road to this album was paved with a lot of bumps and bruises. Getting here took me more than 10 years from that initial thought and through twists and turns I never envisioned. But I can safely say I’m a better person (and hopefully musician) for the experience.”
Education
Dave’s music education started in the Ygnacio Valley H.S. choirs under the direction of Geoff Carter. Geoff provided his groups with exposure to standard repertoire alongside opportunities to perform popular music. These included live performances with music greats like Barry Manilow and Celine Dion. Geoff’s unique approach to music education inspired Dave to continue his studies at the college level.
The majority of Dave’s formal studies took place at Cal State Hayward (now Cal State East Bay). While at CSUH Dave studied vocal performance (Dave’s primary instrument) and composition. “Three individuals at CSUH played key roles in my musical development: Dr. David Stein, Dr. Frank LaRocca and Timothy Morningstar. Many others (too many to name) made significant and memorable contributions as well” Dave completed his undergraduate studies at Arizona State University with a degree in Interdisciplinary Arts and Performance (Music Emphasis). Dave also holds a Master of Science Degree in Psychology.
Music Career
During undergraduate studies at CSUH Dave began working as a Cantor and later a church choir director. Following relocation to Arizona, Dave spent five years teaching music in the classroom to students from kindergarten age through high school and at times maintained a private vocal studio. Dave taught a variety of music related subjects including: Humanities, elementary general music, contemporary band, percussion, wind ensemble, advanced women’s ensemble, concert choir and chamber choir. Dave has also served as interim music director and music director at two Phoenix area churches.