Dave comes from a family of drummers. His dad, uncle and grandfather were all drummers. He had sticks in his hands from the time he could hold them and there were always drums around the house. Dave’s Dad gave him his first snare at 7 and he began to learn what it took to be a drummer. Dave studied with his dad, Harry; uncle, Don; with Getz/Byrd drummer/teacher, Buddy Deppenschmidt and majored in percussion at Trenton State College(now The College of New Jersey) He also had the distinct good fortune to become acquainted with jazz drummer Jack DeJohnette when Jack lived in West Amwell NJ. His philosophies on the art of drumming and his techniques were truly inspirational.

Along with writing & teaching rudimentally for Drum Corps and for high school drum lines, Dave has taught for the Conservatory of Music, Doylestown School of Music & Bucks County Community College and is currently devoting teaching time to private students. A varied musical career has always included the broad category of jazz as a first love working with great jazz players that include Dennis DiBlasio, Richie Cole, Charles Fambrough, Steve Varner, Daryl Hall, Urbie Green, Mark Kramer, Arnie Lawrence, Barry Sames, Randy Reinhardt, Jim Ridl, Nelson Hill, Lenny Argese, Bob Devos, Ron Kerber, Ron McClure, Brian Trainor, Chico Huff, Andrew Neu, Matthew Parrish, Bob Howell, Dave Posmontier, John Bianculli, Glenn McClelland & Eric Mintel (see jdmdrums.com for full bio