David Dunford

David Dunford works as a music coach and collaborative pianist in the Southern California area. Born and raised in Hawaii, David received his Bachelor of Music from the University of Arizona with Nicholas Zumbro and his Master of Music from the Eastman School of Music with Barry Snyder. After working as a collaborative pianist in Chicago for four years, David moved west to California in 1999.

At the age of twelve, David made is debut as soloist with the Honolulu Symphony. He performed as soloist with the orchestra again at age 15. He has also appeared as soloist with the Tucson Symphony while attending the University of Arizona. In 1998, Mr. Dunford appeared with the Richmond Symphony performing Gershwin’s Piano Concerto in F Major and Rhapsody in Blue. He did a repeat performance of the Rhapsody in Richmond as the opening act for Aretha Franklin. In California, Mr. Dunford performed Gershwin’s piano concerto with the Oakland East Bay Symphony. He appeared twice with the Sacramento Symphony performing Berstein’s Age of Anxiety in 2000 and Rhapsody in Blue in 2002.

As a collaborative pianist, Mr. Dunford has performed numerous recital programs all over the country including Symphony Center in Chicago, the Brookings Institute in Washington D. C. and Carnegie Hall in New York City. He has also performed on radio and television. He has appeared four times on the Jerry Lewis Telethon with violinist Rachel Barton and was interviewed for a documentary called “The Competition” which aired on A&E in 2001.

While in Chicago David worked for four years on a music integration project. This project involved working with elementary school teachers to show them how to integrate music into their core curriculum. It also involved going into the classrooms and demonstrating the activities. He was also involved in a project with cellist Carey Cheney and Warner Bros/Alfred Publishing called “Solos for Young Cellist.” The eight book series involved CD recordings as well as arranging and editing piano parts.

David began working with young musicians while working at the Music Institute of Chicago. He has since coached and accompanied hundreds of young musicians at various concerts, competitions and conventions around the country. Some of these students include top prize winners at the MTNA National Convention, both the high school and collegiate divisions of the ASTA National Competition as well as Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition.