The story so far...
Dave originally trained as a classical pianist and post-production engineer for film, TV and animation. He studied at the University of Huddersfield where he received a 1st Class BSc (Hons) degree in Music Technology. His final year dissertation in ‘Studio Solution Design & Sound for Animation’ earned him the Arts and Humanities Research Board Postgraduate Award for Music Technology. Dave went on to study Sound Design at Masters level at the University of Bournemouth where he discovered a passion for film sound.
Dave began to write music at an early age, by sitting at the piano and playing for enjoyment. By his early teens, Dave had become fascinated by Jazz music and began to collaborate with fellow young musicians to create music together. Dave has performed in many venues across the UK including the Royal Albert Hall and Royal Festival Hall. He has also given performances in Italy and the USA.
These days, Dave is Head of Music and Director of Learning: Performing Arts at Manor CE Academy in York. Of the 1,050 school population, currently (Jan 2019) 672 study performing arts for two hours per week, every week, and many choose to take part in additional tuition and activities to develop their craft further. This vibrant, creative environment is greatly inspirational both for the students themselves and for anyone connected to them.
Dave is a specialist In music education using technology. He continues to advise and support several other schools and music departments in aspects such as assessment and curriculum design. This work is not paid and is a personal choice as Dave strives to support as many people nationally as time allows. Please do contact him through the contact form if you would like support of any kind.
Dave has led courses in Music and Music Technology and has been a consultant for the development of national GCSE Music qualifications. Dave has written numerous courses in ‘Music for Film and Television’, ‘Post-Production Sound’, and ‘Composition’. He has taught Music Technology to degree level and continues to be a guest lecturer for university post-graduate teacher training courses. Dave is also a national examiner and moderator for GCSE Music composition.
In 2018, Dave led the first music-related masterclass on the highly-regarded York ISSP programme. "The Quest for True Sound" series involved students from nine schools across York, representing schools in both the private and state sectors.
Dave continues to actively write music. He's scored over 300 works, some original and others as arrangements. Dave's original works cover a wide range of genres including: classical, latin, jazz, film, animation, theatre and video games, as well as producing music for commercial release. The majority of Dave's music output is now focused on supporting the young people he works with, either as examples or in collaboration.
"There's no such thing as 'spare time' and why would you want there to be?" (DL). In addition to his many music-related activities, Dave also enjoys travel, film, foodie things, photography, watching sport and great times with friends and family.
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York, UK