I'm David, it's nice to meet you!
I recently moved back to Richmond, VA after graduating from the Cleveland Institute of Music with a Bachelor’s degree in Composition. During high school, I attended the International Institute of Young Musicians at the University of Kansas as a piano student, where I also worked as a counselor helping young pianists from around the world develop their musicianship.
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of learning from and participating in master classes with many incredible pianists and professors, including Dr. David Kreider, Judith Ferencz (McDaniel College), Judith Schultz, Awadagin Pratt (Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music), Dr. Jack Winerock (University of Kansas), Gabriel Kwok (Hong Kong Academy of Music), and Gustavo Romero.
My love of composition has also given me the opportunity to study with some truly inspiring composers such as Dr. Glenn Caldwell (McDaniel College), Dr. Keith Fitch (Cleveland Institute of Music), Dr. Margaret Brouwer, Paul Schoenfield, Tania Leon, Joan Tower, and Robert Beasley (Juilliard School of Music). I also explored conducting under Michael Adelson, cover conductor for the New York Philharmonic. One of my most exciting recent milestones was being selected as a 2025 commissioned composer with the Virginia Music Teachers Association (VMTA).
Currently, I teach keyboard skills at all levels and serve as an accompanist for the VCU Choirs, including the Commonwealth Choir and Choral Arts Society.
Contact David
Or email him at david@gayton.church.
