From a long line of church pianists, Dave began studying piano at the age of 6 so he could play in the local community church. His fun, out going personality helped him to survive the ultra strict training he received as a child and also showed him what NOT to do when teaching kids. At 14, when he had teachers who really inspired him, he added drums to his repertoire of musical skills and fell in love with all things percussion.

After completing his B.A. in Music Education, a music mentor encouraged Dave to go to graduate school to earn his M.A. in Percussion Performance from San Jose State University. A Kentucky native, he packed up and moved to the Bay Area where he completed his Master's degree and continued teaching in a local music store and performing in local bands and workshops. While he was teaching, he received training in the medical field as a respiratory therapist and eventually spent 20+ years serving in that field. In 2015, he returned to his first love of music and joined The Music Place and Arts Educators Group faculties.

Teaching Styledrum set

His goal is to make music learning fun, and his laid back style with humor and gentle encouragement make him a delight to his students. With a balance of traditional and contemporary styles, he loves all genres of drumming including ethnic, jazz and rock styles. For piano he takes a more traditional approach, but still likes to teach students in a fun way that includes skills to improvise and add "flourish" any type of music.

Instruments

  • Drums
  • Piano

Locations

  • Willowhurst Ave
  • Koch Ln

Testimonials

"We continued on with piano lessons (even though we moved [to a different state] a year ago) because we love Dave so much.  He's been an amazing teacher who is very engaging and inspiring to our son, Theo.  We will miss him tremendously and recommend him highly!

"Matthew has learned so much from him and has grown leaps and bounds as a drummer! We are so grateful to Dave
and will miss him!!!"