Dean Taba

Dean Taba is a Lecturer in the Department of Music at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, directing the Hawaii Youth Symphony Combo and Jazz Band. A multifaceted musician, he is a freelance bassist, composer, producer, and educator based in Honolulu. His career spans over 20 years in Los Angeles, where he contributed to numerous recordings, TV shows, movies, and video game soundtracks, collaborating with industry legends. He also taught at institutions like The Dick Grove School of Music and Musician’s Institute while creating the award-winning Virtual Instrument Trilian. Returning to Hawaii, he now focuses on nurturing local talent through performance, teaching, and producing collaborations with influential Hawaiian artists.

Education: Studied at Berklee College of Music in Boston. Professional highlights include studio work in LA, global touring, and leadership roles in youth music programs. Current affiliations include the University of Hawaii at Manoa and Hawaii Youth Symphony.

Research interests emphasize jazz improvisation, music technology integration, and cultural preservation through music production. His work bridges classical training, modern studio techniques, and Hawaiian musical innovation.