Today we’d like to introduce you to David Pearl.
Hi David, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I started playing piano at 5 years old. I went to a wedding around the age of 4 and was mesmerized by the violinist in the band and immediately in love with it . As cliche as it sounds, Music chose me I did not choose it . it was like a magnet that kinda drew me in and I can’t really explain why. My grandfather bought me a little keyboard and I learned to play songs by ear. My dad had the TV on in the house constantly so the music I was exposed to was tv music, including Theme songs, jingles , movie soundtracks . while riding in the car with my folks , I was exposed to lots of pop music and classic rock ok the radio. My dad and I loved listening to music and singing along in the car. While most kids were outside playing sports after school I stayed in my room and spend a few hours a day just figuring out how to play the songs i heard by ear. My parents got me a piano a few years later and I took private lessons on and off as a kid but not for any extended period because my teachers were honestly not very inspiring. My mother played piano and violin when she was a kid , so she was able to help teach me how to sight read. I appreciate her patience as she would sit at the piano with me and help me practice before lessons .
As a pianist … I’ve always and still feel like I’ve been mostly self-taught when it came to learning to play pop music and jazz. anything related to harmony, ear training, and improvisation as I had a few teachers that taught me how to sight read but that was about all they taught me.
There was no real established music program at my elementary school and middle school but in kindergarten, my teacher recognized my natural talent and ability to see how I played xylophone in class by ear. I grew up in a community where there was always vocal music without instruments in my synagogue so I have strong memories of synagogue services and Jewish ceremonies with vocal music. When I was 13, I got my first drum set after trying out someone’s drums one time and I KNEW I wanted to be a drummer. I am grateful that I was able to study for many years with so many great drum teachers and I practiced 2-4 hours at night after school.
I had a neighborhood rock band that played in my parent’s basement for fun at the age of 14-17. In 10th grade, I transferred to a public high school. At the age of 14, I had my first weekly paying gig singing in my synagogue choir. I learned to sight-read vocal parts with professional opera singers. At Franklin High School I was immersed in nearly all of the music programs and musical theater programs including chamber choir, musical theater, Jazz Band, Indoor drum line, music production, and music history exec.
When I graduated high school, I made a bold move to study jazz performance at The University of the Arts and moved to Philadelphia at 18 years old without knowing anyone there. It was both scary exciting and eye-opening to be on my own in a new city but I learned and absorbed so much about music and life . as a music student with concentration Jazz Drumming . I stayed for two years and transferred to temple university to study psychology where I received a B.A. in psychology. Throughout this time, I continued to pursue music by playing with different bands throughout Philly. I was based in Philly for over 20 years and connected with many artists and musicians with whom i continue to work with today .
During covid, I decided to come back to Baltimore temporarily to do some introspection and figure out where to focus my goals. While in Philly, I taught private piano and drum lessons for many years with a specialization on working with the special needs population as well as beginner and advanced students of all ages. I continued to teach in Baltimore virtually during the pandemic. From 2020 until now, I’ve built a teaching business and connected with many musicians in Baltimore. I currently gig and teach in the DMV area as well as Philadelphia and surrounding areas.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I have been on a bumpy road with potholes and lots of ups and downs. OMG, where do I start? I’ve always cherished real authenticity in my relationships with friends, family, community, colleagues, and musicians.
I value and cherish real intimate relationships in life in general. This is my inherent nature to find and make genuine intimate connections with people. The beauty of playing and teaching music from a spiritual perspective is about human connection. Playing music with others always me to connect intimately with other human beings seeing and feeling present which we cannot take for granted. It generally gives me a safe space and sanctuary to connect with others. In today’s age of social media makes it is hard to really be present with others. The struggles I had were feelings of isolation, rejection, feelings of inadequacy, etc. But they all stemmed from insecurities related to how people are detached from one another in today’s society. The music industry is very competitive so I had to learn to build a thick skin and get used to failing and getting back up and trying again.
If music has done anything to help me build character it has thought me to be patient with myself as I learn to get better at my instrument, learning to be settled and present and focused and disciplined while practicing alone can be a very isolating and you are constantly looking at yourself under a microscope and seeing all of your faults. Music is an allegory for life you’ve got to be honest with yourself and put your ego aside to grow. At the same time, you have to accept yourself and who and where you are in the moment in order to learn and grow effectively and efficiently. This is the secret to learning how to practice an instrument as it is also. With spiritual practice. Prayer, meditation discipline with rituals whatever that means for each person according to their needs.
In addition, learning an instrument is challenging enough on its own but then you have to learn to relate and adapt to the band you are playing with and vibe with them musically and socially.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I compose, arrange, record, teach, and perform music. I play drums, piano, and sing . I have my own jazz trio where I showcase arrangements of jazz standards along with my original compositions. I also work as a sideman for a variety of projects with various bands and singer-songwriters and I’ve recorded with a few of these artists as well.
I have a strong connection to ancient mystical jewish melodies and songs and my original music is highly influenced by this genre. I enjoy being able to play and adapt to a variety of styles of music and relate to a plethora of people. And most importantly, I love to learn and grow! I love to meet and connect with artists and musicians and people in general and the more I learn about each individual’s personality the more I learn from them about music, the arts, and life in general.
As an educator and mentor, with a B.A. in Psychology and continuing education in counseling psychology, and special education I try to emphasize the teaching process. I cater my process to the needs of each student using various teaching and mentoring modalities. I strive to provide a safe space for students to grow independently and develop their unique style of playing and self expression I specialize in private piano and drum instruction along with ensemble coaching. I like to teach people HOW to practice their instruments and not just WHAT to practice.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up.
I have so many favorite childhood memories. I am grateful for and appreciate the simple pleasures in life. To me, it’s all about being with good people. I have a vivid early childhood memory of being mesmerized by the band at my cousin’s wedding at age 4 and watching the violinist. This was the first time I saw live music. Another favorite memory was unpacking and setting up my first Drum set and having a neighborhood band.
My parents’ basement throughout middle school and high school. felt cozy and comfortable being around my family, friends, and community perhaps there was a lot of excitement for things to come along with a lot of nurturing and support. When I was younger I felt really inspired and excited for what the future had to offer. Anything new and any novel experience was an adventure that kept me inspired! I try to push myself out of my comfort zone a little bit every day to keep that youthful excitement flowing!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.davepearlmusic.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davepearlmusic/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davepearlmusic/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-pearl-91ba9482/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdrVyPkitj4ZoJ5-lkJJ4Xg
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/messages/10006833:940171246
- Other: https://www.facebook.com/david.pearl.39/
