David Malvinni

David Malvinni is a Lecturer in Ethnomusicology at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), and an adjunct professor at Santa Barbara City College (SBCC), where he teaches courses in Music Appreciation, Rock and Popular Music, World Music, Guitar Performance, and the African American Music Experience. His research bridges musicology with interdisciplinary themes, including philosophy and cultural anthropology.

• Ph.D., Musicology, UCSB (2002)
• M.M., Musicology, UMass Amherst (1996)
• B.A., Philosophy, Rice University (1992)
• Heidelberg University, Germany (1990-1991)

His research interests focus on Roma/Gypsy music and its representation in Western culture, rock improvisation (especially the Grateful Dead and Rolling Stones), classical guitar performance practices, and existential philosophy applied to music theory. Current projects include studying the impact of 'Gypsiness' on Romantic violin repertoire, early music performance on classical guitar, and Heideggerian interpretations of tuning and fugue. He has presented work at conferences like EuroMac 2021 and co-edited a publication on deconstruction and music theory.

His publications reflect a blend of ethnomusicological fieldwork, historical analysis, and philosophical inquiry. Recent works explore improvisation in rock music and its ritualistic dimensions, while earlier projects examined Roma musical stereotypes and the intersection of blues technology with existentialist thought.

• Director and curriculum writer of CAMA’s music education program, impacting Santa Barbara/Goleta elementary students.
• Collaborates with renowned figures like Phillip de Fremery and Eliot Fisk on guitar projects.
• Conducted fieldwork in Central Europe with members of Taraf de Haidouks, emphasizing violin studies.

He has contributed to academic outreach through CAMA and maintains active roles in ensembles such as the Middle Eastern Ensemble at UCSB. His work often integrates historical musicology with contemporary performance practice.