Biography

David Arnold is not your typical private lesson instructor. He uses his diverse musical and educational background to inspire music students of all ages and abilities. His particular specialties are Saxophone, Guitar, and Jazz Improvisation, and he also teaches Bass Guitar and Clarinet.

Sitting in his combined studio and office, David comments on the musical instruments that surround him. "The best way to understand your instrument is to learn a new one. For example, a saxophone player plays one way and a guitar player plays in a totally different way. If you learn to think musically like a guitar player you open up a whole world of new ideas on the saxophone." When it comes to rhythm he has also had a great deal of experience. "Studying Afro-Cuban percussion and jazz drumming has shown me how important a solid sense of time is for all musicians, not just drummers."

David has had experience playing and teaching styles of music from classical saxophone to blues and jazz guitar. To David, music is a language and the styles are its dialects. "It doesn’t matter if you are playing a Sonata by Telemann, a Coltrane transcription, or a blues guitar solo, it is all about one thing. Communication." He goes on to explain the importance of studying all musical genres, "Study the works of Bach, Beethoven, Bird (Charlie Parker), and the Beatles. After doing so, you will have a very well rounded musical perspective, and will be able to play in any style."

David adapts his teaching style and lesson plans to fit the needs of each student. "Every student is unique, and plays music for his or her own reasons. I want to provide them the guidance they need to stay excited about music." He frequently writes exercises specific to individual students. "If a student has trouble with a concept or technique they get frustrated, so it is important that these issues be resolved."

Besides teaching lessons David also performs in local blues and rock bands. He has appeared with several groups such as: Me and Rosie B, BillyLee Janey, Bryce Janey, King B and the Willies, The Pawns, and Western Justice. David knows the benefit of performing regularly. "It keeps my chops in shape and pushes me to look for ways to improve my playing. I wouldn’t feel right telling my students to strive for their best if I didn’t do it myself."

Having earned a degree in music from Luther College, and continued his education at the University of Northern Iowa and Coe College, David has had the opportunity of studying with Iowa’s finest music educators. He also developed a sense of spirituality towards music. "At Luther we played music because we really loved it. Music was more than just reading a chart or playing the ‘correct’ changes. It was about that feeling that we got from making music, a feeling that we were part of something bigger."

David has been teaching private lessons since he was in high school. From there he went on to be the first student conductor of the Luther College Jazz Band II. "That was a crucial point in my education, it was where I learned how to evoke emotion and sensitivity from a group of musicians." In addition to teaching private lessons David gives clinics on jazz improvisation and works with high school jazz bands.

When asked what David likes most about teaching private lessons he answered, "Teaching gives me the freedom to be with my family. I spend my days raising my two children, and I am very thankful that I have that opportunity. The patience and understanding it takes to be a parent also gives me the insight to help my students overcome challenges and reach their full potential."