B.Mus in Jazz Performance (U of T)
Diploma in Music Performance (Grant Macewan)
As a recent graduate of the University of Toronto jazz program, guitarist David Riddel is showing his versatility in the city. The Edmonton native and Grant Macewan Music alumnus has performed hundreds of times throughout Canada and the United States in various projects.
Before moving to Toronto, he made several notable recordings and toured frequently with the alternative rock band The Consonance. Now you can hear David in Hamilton’s 2016 Best New Artist, Jennifer Budd’s soul-rock group, in profound composer Chelsea Mcbride’s contemporary big band, Socialist Night School, in avant-garde/folk/jazz trio, Star Triptych, or playing his own compositions in the art rock group, Delusions of Grandeur. David has made appearances at the Toronto Jazz Festival, the Edmonton Jazz festival and the Kaslo jazz festival.
With influences from John Scofield to Johnny Greenwood, Riddel makes bold statements with his soulful tone, heartfelt melodies and moments of sheer madness. Look for upcoming tours and releases from all of his current projects. David loves to share his passion for music. He recognizes that each student has their own specific strengths and needs. David’s students are encouraged to share their own musical tastes so that they can develop their own individual voice in music.
Get to know David…Beyond the Bio!
Musical influences: Radiohead, John Scofield, Joe Henderson, Neil Young, Bill Frisell, Ornette Coleman, Smashing Pumpkins, John Lennon, Paul Westerberg, Tom Waits, MF Doom, Al Green, Sam Cooke, Charles Mingus, Maurice Ravel, The Clash, The Flaming Lips, Broken Social Scene..
Favourite food: Carrots
Least favourite food: Water Chestnuts
Favourite music: Jazz, Rock, Folk, Hip-Hop, Soul, Avant Garde..
Favourite song: Kid A – Radiohead
Favourite movie: Children of Men
Favouirite movie music: There Will be Blood
Best quote from your teacher: It isn’t anything if it doesn’t feel good
Favourite quote:
Preferred Books for David’s Students
Click to buy them here, and they’ll come right to your house! What could be easier?
Modern Method for Guitar
Hal Leonard Guitar Method
The second edition of this world-famous method by Will Schmid and Greg Koch is preferred by teachers because it makes them more effective while making their job easier. Students enjoy its easy-to-follow format that gives them a solid music education while letting them play songs right away. Book 1 provides beginning instruction including tuning, 1st position melody playing, C, G, G7, D7, and Em chords, rhythms through eighth notes, solos and ensembles and strumming.
Music Theory for Guitarists
Guitarists of all levels will find a wealth of practical music knowledge in this special book with online audio access. Veteran guitarist and author Tom Kolb dispels the mysteries of music theory using plain and simple terms and diagrams. The accompanying recordings provide 94 tracks of music examples, scales, modes, chords, ear training, and much more!