david dunkley

I've been playing music since being introduced to drums at age ten. Since then I've studied guitar, bass, piano, hand drums, and voice, earning a degree in music performance and composition from Cornish College of the Arts.  I've played drums, guitar, bass and sang professionally for over twenty years and have shared the stage with a wide variety of artists from Rock legends Nirvana to Jazz great Julian Priester (Trombonist for Herbie Hancock, John Coltrane, and Duke Ellington). I've been teaching out of my own studio for over twenty years, working with groups and individuals of all skill levels and ages.  My philosophy is to foster a students' enthusiasm and creativity by encouraging them to bring in material they are interested in learning.  This keeps them engaged, enjoying themselves, and makes them spend more time with their instrument.  Serving as a music program manager for a non-profit arts school has allowed me to teach in children's homes, youth, and homeless shelters, as well as in public, private, alternative schools. Currently, I lead the band Beggars & Saints performing shows in and around the Seattle area, as well as recording and producing albums for bands and artists. In my spare time I play sing, play guitar, bass, and hand drums in a nine-piece soul, R&B, and rock cover band with a full horn section and play guitar, keyboards, and sing in an original alternative band with my two daughters.