David Taylor

David Taylor serves as Applied Faculty in Jazz Percussion at Wayne State University, where he has been an integral member of the jazz faculty since 1991 while maintaining an active international performance career. He regularly performs with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and Michigan Opera Theater Orchestra, and has appeared at Detroit's premier venues including the Fox Theatre, Masonic Temple Theatre, and Fisher Theatre.

His educational foundation was built at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music under principal instructor William Youhass, with additional mentorship from percussion luminaries Salvatore Rabbio, Gordon Stout, and Tim Hagans.

Taylor's professional identity seamlessly merges jazz percussion expertise with orchestral performance and pedagogy. His career spans international touring across Europe and South Africa with saxophonist Chris Collins, extensive recording collaborations (including work with Emmy award-winning composer Joseph LoDuca), and endorsement as a Vic Firth Artist. His teaching philosophy emphasizes practical stage experience, cultivated through decades of active performance alongside academic instruction.

As an educator, Taylor has shaped generations of musicians at Wayne State University and shared his methodology at the Interlochen National Music Camp. His artistic range encompasses theater productions, symphonic works, and jazz ensembles, demonstrating exceptional versatility across musical disciplines.

Key professional affiliations include:

• Detroit Symphony Orchestra (Regular Performing Member)
• Michigan Opera Theater Orchestra (Core Member)
• Vic Firth Artist (Endorsed Percussionist)