Dave Rudolph

Dave Rudolph serves as Adjunct Professor of Jazz Percussion at the University of South Florida School of Music and Professor of Contemporary Percussion at Hillsborough Community College. At USF since fall 2020, he teaches undergraduate applied lessons and collaborates with faculty on Jazz Ensembles.

Education:

• B.A. in Jazz Performance, University of South Florida (2001)
• M.M. in Jazz Performance, University of South Florida (2015)

Rudolph's artistic research centers on Jazz Percussion with specialization in Fusion, Bebop, Hard-bop, and Post-bop traditions. His work emphasizes original composition and reinterpretation of jazz standards through rhythmic innovation and textural exploration. The 2018 album 'Resonance' demonstrates this approach through nine original tracks blending contemporary harmonic concepts with traditional jazz forms.

As an educator, Rudolph mentors undergraduate percussion students in applied technique, improvisation frameworks, and ensemble performance practice. His studio prepares students for professional engagements through simulated gig experiences and performance opportunities across Tampa Bay venues.

Rudolph co-founded the ensemble ARConnection with Pablo Arencibia, which serves as a creative laboratory for musical dialogue and risk-taking. The group's 2025 performance calendar includes major regional venues with featured guest artists, maintaining an active presence in Florida's jazz ecosystem.