Dave Cifelli

David Cifelli, currently a jazz performance major at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, has been studying drums since he was seven years old. Introduced to jazz at a very young age, Dave is recognized by his colleagues as having an extensive knowledge of jazz music and history, as well as drumming and drum technology/ history.

By the age of 13, Dave was gigging with groups throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania and being recognized at local jam sessions. Throughout high school Dave continued to work as a professional musician and was actively involved in his school music program. . During this time he attended the KoSA International Percussion Workshop, Modern Drummer Festival, Montreal Drum Festival, as well as others. He also was accepted into the NJPAC Jazz for Teens program throughout high school.

Recently, he has worked with Philly based musicians such as Tom Tallitsch, Jason Fraticelli, Keith Snyder, Dave Homan, as well as others. Also, Dave has worked with fellow up and coming jazz musicians such as pianist, Dan Rufolo, including a performance opening for Bill Charlap at the New Jersey Jazz Society Festival.

Over the past year and a half, Dave has been recording with bassist Danny Ladd on his multi-disc project called "Ride That Riff". Currently, he is playing with fellow UArts musicians throughout the Philadelphia area.

Dave is currently a student of Jim Paxson and has also studied with Tony DeNicola, Cheech Iero, and Marc Dicciani, as well as others. He is also a drum tech for the Modern Drummer Festival Weekend and has attended the Montreal Drum Fest and KoSA International Percussion Workshops.

Dave was also named first runner-up in 2003 and 2005 for the Modern Drummer Magazine Undiscovered Drummer Contest in the under 18 category and is being considered as a writer for Modern Drummer Magazine.

Check out Dave's music at http://www.myspace.com/davejazz58