To obtain a music education position at a learning institute where I can reach out to young people and influence them in a positive direction. This may include lecturing on past experiences that will prove fruitful for career development as a musician, or take on the role of music teacher working with beginners on percussion/piano. This aforementioned objective, as well as the opportunity to serve the stage while continuing on a career path as a performer of original compositions (in the name of research) moving music in a new and innovative direction.
Private Studies in Jazz Percussion with Professor Lou Marino 1980-87’.
Private Studies in Percussion with Professor Kenwood Dennard (Berklee East) 1990-91.
University at Buffalo—SUNY: Major in Music and Minor in Education Music Courses: Continued studies in music theory, conducting, composing. Main focus is percussion being studied with Prof. Tom Kolor Education Courses: Intro to Education, German Language classes, French Conservatory Solfege singing classes, private studies in marimba and tuned percussion instruments.
International Collaborations HP Zinker USA/Austria 1990 – 97’ Recording/Touring Artist Matador Records (NYC) Fire Records (London,UK) Thrill Jockey Records (Chicago)
Created a total of 9 recordings for the above listed record companies that are relevant to this day (See
Toured in support of these recordings throughout the US, UK and Europe on a regular basis.
Performed in videos that aired on MTV Europe and that are currently widely distributed on the internet www.thewaz.com.
Contributed to numerous compilations including tributes to the bands Love, Abba and the Beatles.
Touring partners with such bands as The Lemonheads, Firehose, Swervedriver, Buffalo Tom, Johnny Thunders, and many others.
Performed at many colleges throughout the US including Princeton Univ., U Mass, Northampton Univ, etc.
Venues of prestige where performances have taken place include The General Assembly at the UN in NYC, the Astoria and the Marquee Club in London, UK among countless others across Europe and the US.
Formed the duo “Splinters” w/composer, bassist Andreas Haller in Vienna in 1995 and recorded and toured Europe in support of the recording. Also formed a multi-media performance group to enhance this duo called Splinters of the Universe, which encompassed dancers along with Vienna’s Panoptical Four, who provided stimulating imagery to further enliven the performance.
Performed improvised music to accompany silent films throughout Europe with Austrian composer Andreas Haller (live soundtrack accompaniment to original film “Fish Pills”) and also with composer Martin Philadelphy, live accompaniment to silent films throughout the Czech Republic.
Contributed to the soundtrack music, as well as performed in the heimat horror film “Tief Oben”, an Austrian production that featured the band HP Zinker acting, along with famed B film horror queen Barbara Steele of Federico Fellini fame.
Has performed many pro bono shows for countless charitable organizations to help support an array of causes, from benefits to help veterans to SOS Mitmensch in Vienna, Austria which helps the homeless, to Music Is Art which helps a non-profit provide musical instruments for schools who cannot afford them.
Helped meet the needs of students at a range of ages and proficiency levels develop skills in playing snare drum and drumset while living in Vienna, Austria from 1994-97’
Taught groups of international students how to approach accompanying a song on drums while part of the international touring group H P Zinker
Performed seminars on drum set in a master class environment sharing tips and experiences with students from different cultures
Developed a program titled the Evolution of the Drumset which was taught to students of all grammar school ages in the Delaware County school district while residing in the Catskill Mountains from 2003-05’. Funded through The Roxbury Arts Group through CROP (Creative Rural Opportunities Program).·
Guest Lecturer in a course on Underground Music at SUNY Buffalo Sept 2010 with emphasis on encouraging students to be pro-active in their approach to carving out a career in music via a DIY approach.
Recently lead a group of inner-city school children in a percussion ensemble to celebrate African American History Month.
Teacher of private lessons on all levels of drumset and beginner levels of marimba/piano.
The Waz – Improvisational Jazz Group 98’ – present www.thewaz.com
Leader of group, record label, and day to day operations
Developed environmentally friendly CD case that has been adopted by other artists who chose to house their work in an Eco-Friendly package design
Respond to band members’ needs, manage equipment needed for touring, pay bills, etc.
Work closely with booking agents and record label people to advance the opportunities of the group
Performed as backing band for actor/musician “Pappy Chianese” aka Uncle Junior from the famed HBO Sopranos Series
Toured and performed with such diverse groups as The Jerry Garcia Band, The Roots, Maceo Parker, Bernie Worrell, and many others.
Performed at the 75th annual Beaux Arts Festival in Woodstock, NY.
Maintained a steady and productive rehearsing, touring and recording schedule.
The Peace Project was a musical group put together to bring the message of peace to people through music and ceremonial practice at music festivals such as Gathering of the Vibes and The High Sierra Festival around the US. These festivals featured such legendary artists as Odetta , Eumir Deodato, Steve Winwood, etc.
As part of the Friendship Caravan (an organization created to strengthen ties between Arabs and Americans in a post 9/11 world) The Peace Project performed in an international collaboration between the US and Morocco by playing together with Moroccan musicians in Marrakesh during the 39th annual Rhythm Eternal Festival. Concerts were staged all around the city in outdoor locations with bands from all over Africa participating along with a performance that took place in the state theater for diplomats and their families.
Performed in the General Assembly of the United Nations in NYC on the International Day of Peace September 2005.
Shared the drum chair in the house band at The Bitter End in Greenwich Village NYC with such drumming luminaries as Jonathan Mover and Van Romaine.
Performed with The Mark Pender Band (Trumpet for Conan O’Brien)
Played as a sideman with the legendary Mose Allison Played as a sideman with blues legend Poppa Chubby Has recorded for Viacom and many others as a studio musician for television.
Created original soundscapes to accompany live production of Cyrano by the Laboratory Theater Group.
Created solo percussion performance that was accompanied by dancers as a live show.
Worked together with NYC percussion ensemble Mecca Bodega as a fill-in position.
Is currently the house drummer at St.Thomas Aquinas Church in South Buffalo on Sunday mornings and holiday masses together w/music director Laura Taber.
Is currently working as a Solo Percussion/Electronic Performer bridging the gap between live percussion and electronic
Endorsements: Vic Firth, Paiste Cymbals, and DW Drums AKG Microphones
Grammy Award for Artwork of CD “At the mountains of Madness” by HP Zinker – Artwork by Stefan Sagmeister
Key to the city of La Roche-sur-Yon France – For bringing a new music culture to their city.
Best Drummer and Best Band Award 2000 – David Wasik and The Waz – Buffalo Music Awards.
Appeared in Roger Dean’s book of favorite album covers 1994 for the recording HP Zinker-Hovering.
Waz promotional photo (caricature) created by Pulitzer Prize winning illustrator Tom Toles.
Performed in the General Assembly at the UN on the international day of peace with the Peace Project for an audience that included Michael Douglas, Jane Goodall, Ely Wiesel, and Muhammad Ali.
Has appeared in many international music publications such as Melody Maker (UK) CMJ (USA) Der Standard (Austria) Falter (Vienna).
