Education
Dan taught instrumental music in the public schools for 30 years, and from 1998-2010 served as Band Director at Grosse Pointe South High School. His students and ensembles were recognized regionally, nationally, and internationally for musical excellence. Dan's Symphony Band received highest marks at music festivals in New York, Chicago, Toronto, Orlando, Florida and London, England. They were also featured at Detroit's Max M. Fisher Orchestra Hall, Detroit Institute of Arts Auditorium, and Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts. Dan's Jazz Band at GP South was invited by Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association (MSBOA) to appear at the Detroit International Jazz Festival six times, and they were also award winners at University of Michigan, Wayne State University, and Western Michigan University Jazz Festivals. Several of Dan's AP Music Theory students were selected to have their original compositions performed at Michigan's All-State Youth Arts Festival. He directed the Pit Orchestra for the annual All School Musical - notable productions included Guys and Dolls, On The Town, and Grease. Along with directing several performing ensembles, Dan taught Music Appreciation, Piano, and Music Technology classes and was faculty co-sponsor of Tri-M National Honor Society. In 2008, the Grosse Pointe South High School Music Department was selected as a Grammy High School of Musical Excellence. Dan also taught instrumental music at the elementary and middle school levels, and directed the Grosse Pointe Elementary Honors Band for many years. He retired from Grosse Pointe Schools in 2018 and taught privately until moving to northern Michigan in 2019. He served as an assistant music librarian at Interlochen Arts Academy through 2021, then moved to Alpena where he assisted with the band program in that city's public schools. Dan is currently the piano accompanist for Eurythmy at Detroit Waldorf School.
Now a proud City of Detroit resident, Dan continues to share his passion and love of music with young musicians at all levels with one-on-one instruction. He tailors lessons to specifically suit students' individual goals and interests. Whether a musician is beginning, intermediate, or advanced Dan provides a focused, sequenced experience that's fun and rewarding. For example, lessons may be designed to introduce or review fundamentals, assist with band music, prepare for solo & ensemble festival or audition, explore jazz improvisation and/or music theory. Dan teaches all beginning woodwind students along with intermediate and advanced clarinet and saxophone students. Lessons are given in Dan's home studio in the historic West Village neighborhood. He also visits area schools for lessons, clinics, educational performances, sectional rehearsals, and guest conducting. Click to contact for more info on lessons or school visits.
