Project Description
B. Mus. (York)
B.Ed (York) in-progress
David Zada is a multi-instrumentalist and composer, who plays, variously, drums, piano, or his own voice, in clubs, festivals, fundraisers, churches, and other venues about the city.
Zada graduated from York University’s jazz program in 2015, having received the Olive Lower Prize in Jazz Piano in his final year. He hopes to continue making people dance and smile for as long as possible.*
Get to know David…Beyond the Bio!
Hobbies: I like stand-up comedy, singing with other people (anything from choir to karaoke), and petting dogs!
Musical influences: My earliest influences come from the interrelated worlds of jazz, classic rock, country, and folk. Mainly: Joni Mitchell, Janis Joplin, Gordon Lightfoot, Billie Holiday, Patsy Cline, The Doors, Queen, and so on. But I’m always absorbing whatever I’m exposed to, learning and adapting, as is necessary.
Favourite food: Anything spicy!
Least favourite food: Cooked spinach.
Favourite music: I’m REALLY into neo-soul right now. Erykah Badu, Lalah Hathaway, and Hiatus Kaiyote exemplify this style for me.
Favourite song: Billy Strayhorn’s Lush Life, especially as performed by Johnny Hartman & John Coltrane’s Quartet.
Favourite movie: Twelve Monkeys is up there.
Favouirite movie music: Bernard Hermann’s score from Psycho is a personal favourite.
Favourite musical theatre/opera: Favourite show: Cabaret (Kander & Ebb). Favourite Opera: Satyagraha (Phillip Glass).
Best quote from your teacher: “Now I know this all sounds overwhelming, but I’ll show you what to listen to, what to listen for…what to listen six.” – Kelly Jefferson
Favourite quote: “I’d rather be one of the few than one of the many. […] If I was suddenly to become popular, I’d have to think that something was wrong with me.” – Barry Harris
Favourite book: The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.
Best thing about teaching at ABC: I find the students are excited about the instrument, and willing to learn. That’s all I ask!
Latest Homework from David
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Preferred Books for David’s Students
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STICK CONTROL
George Lawrence Stone’s Stick Control is the bible of drumming. In 1993, Modern Drummer magazine named the book one of the top 25 books of all-time. In the words of the author, it is the ideal book for improving: control, speed, flexibility, touch, rhythm, lightness, delicacy, power, endurance, preciseness of execution and muscular coordination, with extra attention given to the development of the weak hand.
PROGRESSIVE STEPS TO SYNCOPATION
Voted second on Modern Drummer’s list of 25 Greatest Drum Books in 1993, Progressive Steps to Syncopation for the Modern Drummer is one of the most versatile and practical works ever written for drums. Created exclusively to address syncopation, it has earned its place as a standard tool for teaching beginning drummers syncopation and strengthening reading skills.
THE NEW BREED
Gary Chester was one of the busiest studio drummers of the ’60s and ’70s and played on hundreds of hit records. His systems have been used and endorsed by drummers such as Kenny Aronoff, Danny Gottlieb, and Dave Weckl. This is not just another drum book, but rather a system that will help you develop the skills needed to master today’s studio requirements. By working with this book, you’ll improve your reading, concentration, coordination, right and left-hand lead, and awareness of the click.