Dave’s first musical experience began when he started playing the viola around the age of 10 and then guitar around the age of 12. During high school, he attended the Governors School for the Arts for viola and classical guitar performance where he extensively studied music theory, music history, musical composition, conducting, and jazz guitar, as well as performed in various chamber music groups and the Governors School symphony, for 4 years.
Dave is an accomplished violist and guitarist, and studied under renowned classical guitarist Sam Dorsey, head of the Tidewater Classical Guitar Society. During this time, Dave was fortunate to perform in master-classes for the world renowned classical guitarists David Starobin, Manuel Barrueco, and Ana Vidovic. Additionally, as part of the Governors School touring musical program, Dave travelled to Poland and Prague in 2003 to perform solo classical guitar as well as viola with the Governors School chamber orchestra.
While attending college at James Madison University, Dave co-founded the band, Electric Baby, which played extensively around the Harrisonburg, VA and Tidewater circuits. In 2007, Electric Baby was signed to the student run music label EightyOne Records, and opened for the band Say Anything as well as produced a full length album “For Your Ears” at JMU’s Studio A. In 2010, Dave was cofounder of the jazz-rock group, The Loud Shapes, performing all over the Hampton Roads area. In June 2010, The Loud Shapes opened for the jazz group Medeski, Martin, and Wood at The Norva.
As of August 2014, Dave resides in LA where he works full-time as a research chemist, and part-time as a freelance musician. Prior to his arrival in LA, Dave lived in Virginia Beach, VA, where he worked as a research chemist, part-time music instructor, and freelance musician. To date, he has performed for a wide variety of events including weddings, private parties/events, art festivals, and restaurants/bars.