Teaching

Testimonials

“You have sharpened my listening skills and provided enough challenges to last me a lifetime! I look forward to reviewing all of the classes and exploring the resource materials over the next several weeks. You are a superb teacher."
— Jennifer Parke (CBDD Oct2022)

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“Any chance to learn from David is a rare treat. Course materials and topics are planned and well organized. No matter where you are at, there is something new to learn. David has a gift for teaching—information is delivered slowly and methodically and questions are welcomed. If you are looking for inspiration, look no further as David’s passion is intoxicating and enjoyable. Recording options, sheet music, and handouts are included, and you will walk away with months, if not years, of material to look back on."
— Khara Wolf (MTI Feb2021)

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"Thank you so much for a wonderful class and lesson. You have greatly enriched my experience of the music! Now I have more purpose and structure in how I can approach my practicing, and I am excited to move forward with all I have learned."
— Ellen Jacobs (CBDD May2021, MTI Feb2021)

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“The clarity of the presentation through targeted listening, verbal explanation, and demonstration was simply extraordinary. I have never taken a music class of any kind that was so well organized and presented.”
— Howard Booster (CBDD May2021, MTI Feb2021, CBDD Oct2020, CBDD Jul2020)

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“The amount of work you put into the Zoom CBDD is amazing. Worth every penny of the tuition.”
— Kate Spencer (CBDD Oct2020)

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“Thanks for another delightful round of eye opening ideas. Composing was not at the top of my list and I wasn't really sure what to expect from MTI. The time spent with your CBDD course allowed me to trust your approach. I did not want to miss what you might create and you did not disappoint. The concepts helped demystify composition but also allowed insight for improved playing. Highly recommended!”
— Douglas Stoker (MTI Feb2021, CBDD Oct2020)

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“I loved the presentation. I realize how much you are balancing with levels and pace and time but man you can cover so much ground in such a short time. Your approach to the balance of analytical and creative is perfect and really works for me. Also your devotion to your students is unparalleled - the updates and content development etc - definitely getting our money’s worth. Keep it going!”
— Dan MacCormack (CBDD May2021, MTI Feb2021, CBDD Jul2020)

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"I can't thank you enough for the CBDD course. It was incredibly challenging but gave me so many tools to begin playing in a brand new manner."
— Cooper Pinson (CBDD May2021)

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"Thank you for another wonderful class... I have been having fun making up a short tune sonata out of Mrs Oswald favorite jig. I would never have dared try this before the MTI course and I am SO looking forward to the July course... and the August one too !!! Thank you for your generous and incredibly brilliant teaching David! You have been my inspiration during all this time at home. Your music is my happy place."
— Geneviève Gilardeau (CBDD May2021, MTI Feb2021, CBDD Oct2020, CBDD Jul2020)

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"I really appreciate your hands-on approach as well as your clear articulation of techniques like bass runs and syncopation. Not only have I gained knowledge, I also know this will enhance my enjoyment when listening to my favourite players. And your enthusiasm for the music is seriously infectious. I enjoyed it very much."
— Margaret Pomeroy (CBDD piano Jul2020)

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“The Cape Breton Deep-Dive course has given me so much to add to my playing.”
— Derek Stallman (CBDD Jul2020)

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"I just wanted to say a big and heartfelt thank you. I feel inspired and I just love playing these tunes, and the chance to learn from you has been very special indeed.”
— Thomas Guthrie (CBDD May2021)

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“This has been such an amazing few weeks of intense study! I have done quite a few 'online learning' workshops and yours has taken the bar to a whole new level!”
— Kath Rutherford (CBDD Oct2020)