Dave

"Where Learning is FUN, and Every Child is Special!"

Proudly providing music education in the South Bay since 1984!

Multiple locations, instruments and teachers!

Flexible scheduling options to fit your family's busy lives!!

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 Style

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!!!"

Dave is a "Tier 2" teacher. See tiers.

See also Private Tuition rates.

Search Faculty List by Tier or Instrument.

"I am a really happy parent here going through all the process with you guys....from the assessment to trying out the classes ..." ~Madhura M.

"... with Sunny's help and enrollment, you guys are awesome and really great at communication! I am excited for Shanaya to be part of the music place" ~ Madhura M.

"My 4 year old son is currently enrolled in their EMA, Early Music Awareness class with Mr. Jack and loves it!!" ~Jenny N.

"I cannot say enough wonderful things about The Music Place!"
~Jill T.

"5 stars all the way! Where should I start? From the very beginning, the ease and accessibility of the website was impressive." ~Cynthia S.

"The classes are such a bargain for the lovely personalized attention you receive." ~Rosy H.

"What really sets The Music Place apart from many others out there is their emphasis on a fun music education environment and experience." ~Jenny N.

"The teachers are nurturing, kind, and full of great information & fun."
~Jill T.

"The Music Place makes it super easy to use online payment and returns emails and phone calls promptly." ~Rosy H.

"The facility itself is friendly, warm and welcoming, with free WIFI in the lobby - a real boon for busy parents!" ~Pat P.

"The support staff is AMAZING. They have treated us with an exceptional level of love and kindness. I can't say enough about them!" ~Cynthia S.

"We love the Music Place for so many reasons. All my kids love music thanks to the caring teachers and the relaxed atmosphere!" ~K.G.

"...with this approach our house is filled with music constantly and they are doing wonderfully. I know it will be a lifelong love of music." ~K.G.

"Our daughter looks forward to class all week long."
~Rosy H.

"We are thankful we found such a lovely music school for my daughter to blossom & feel like she is at home." ~Jill T.

"A team of professionals helps with enrollment, scheduling, payment, everything made it so easy, and they are very organized!!!" ~NS J.

"You could tell he was inspired because he got on the keyboard immediately after music class and tried to compose his own." ~Elizzie B.

"Many of the teachers have been there for over 20 years. That kind of staff loyalty says a lot to me about a business community." ~Andrew L.

" I appreciate all the thought and care you have put into helping my child start the musical journey. Thank you." ~ Lucy L.

"My children have been going to Music place for 3+ years now and they really love it!" ~Ruma S.

"Our daughter, Melissa, loves her music class, and she looks forward to the recitals. We'd recommend the Music Place to anyone." ~Kathy & Matt

"A real gem. Great teachers. Our piano teacher is wonderful with small children and I have heard great things about the group music class." ~Lalu B.

"...Most importantly, our daughter can't wait for music class & asks to go every day."~The Pace family

"I would greatly recommend the music place for everyone who loves music and wants the best experience for their kids." ~Elizzie B.

"I was very surprised by the thoroughness of the assessments and individualized recommendations..." ~Deb S.

"I could not have asked for a better music school. God willing, we will continue with The Music Place for many more years to come!" ~Cynthia S.

"I really feel like I hit the jackpot finding you guys...this place understands our Christian values.." ~April C.

"It's really great to see him gain the confidence and find joy in singing over these 2 [camp] weeks. Thank you for the wonderful work you do." ~ Lucy L.

"I tell everyone who will listen about the amazing introduction to music that our daughter is getting with the Music Place." ~ The Pace Family

"People are always amazed when a 3-year old explains that she played an oboe last week and is going to play a piccolo next week!"~The Pace Family

"My child is a happy child, but the music class and Ms. Becky makes her extra extra happy :)" ~Sofia A.

© 2007 - 2024 The Music Place, Inc.