Origins
Dave grew up in a musical and artistic midwestern family. After 40 years, his mother is still the church choir director at the church he grew up in- located across the street from a small, fragrant! dairy farm. Before going into a business career, his father was a professional singer who had a gig as a singing gandolier on the Chicago River; he continued as a church vocalist and soloist for life. Various other relatives of his have made their mark as musicians, painters and farmers. Music, art and nature- especially ecology and birds- have enchanted David since his early childhood.
Education
David studied horticulture- landscape design full time for two years at Milwaukee Area Technical College while working in native prairie restoration. But soon the call of music led him to change course. He holds a bachelor’s degree in music from Lawrence University of Wisconsin, and a master’s degree in music from East Carolina University. Dan Armstrong of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and Jack Budrow and Lenny Finkelshteyn of the North Carolina Symphony, were his primary bass teachers. Adding to his private piano studies as a child and youth in Milwaukee, WI, Dave studied with the pianist and organist Wolfgang Rubsam at Lawrence University. He continued private organ lessons with Janette Fishell at East Carolina University.
Dave has enjoyed teaching academic and applied music classes- both face-to face and online- at the college level. These have included Michigan State University, East Carolina University, North Carolina State University and Pitt Community College. He loves working with brand new beginners too. Dave has also taught in local public and private schools. One of his favorite offerings is the Science and Symphony (Music and STEM) educational workshops which he lead-teaches for the Raleigh Symphony Orchestra.
Performance Experience
For over 25 years, Dave has performed on string bass, bass guitar, piano and organ with many outstanding orchestras and musicians in the Triangle area and beyond. These include the Raleigh Symphony Orchestra, North Carolina Symphony, Carolina Philharmonic, Long Bay Symphony, Wilmington Symphony, Fayetteville Symphony, Arioso String Quintet, Capital String Quintet, churches, a rock band, and chamber music ensembles. He toured and/or performed for many years in educational concerts and shows for North and South Carolina’s youth with some of those orchestras.
Dave is an active member of the Cary-Apex Piano Teachers’ Association
You may contact Dave for information about lessons or performances by leaving a comment, emailing or calling him.