Available to hire
I’m Dave Cipriani, a guitarist, composer and world-music performer blending Indian, African, jazz and folk influences. I design and perform original music, teach private guitar, and lead ensembles across the US; I earned an MFA in North Indian Music/World Music Performance from CalArts and have studied with masters in both classical and contemporary traditions. I love collaborating across genres and cultures, creating immersive live experiences and educational programs for students at all levels.
As an educator and performer, I’ve worked with groups like Mahadev, Satabdi Express and Rafe Pearlman, contributed to film soundtracks including Basmati Blues, and led community-based projects through CAP and Plaza De La Raza. I strive to foster curiosity, creativity, and technical excellence in every performance and lesson, helping others discover the joy of music-making and cross-cultural exchange.
Experience Level
Language
English
Fluent
Work Experience
Guitar Instructor at Heritage Home Conservatory
July 1, 2013 - PresentGuitar instruction for students, curriculum development, and private lessons.
African & Indian Guitar Class Teacher at McCabe’s Guitar Shop
July 1, 2015 - September 26, 2025Teaching African and Indian guitar styles and techniques.
Guitar Instructor at Conejo Valley Music School
July 1, 2016 - September 26, 2025Guitar instruction for students of various levels.
Guitar Private/Class Instructor at Neighborhood Music School
January 1, 2015 - September 26, 2025Private and group guitar lessons.
Guitar Private/Class Instructor at Eagle Rock Music Studio
September 1, 2017 - September 26, 2025Private guitar instruction and classes.
Self-Employed Guitar Instructor/Performer
July 1, 2010 - PresentIndependent guitar instruction and live performance work.
Guitar Instructor, Advanced Rock Band Leader at Community Arts Partnership (CAP) / Plaza De La Raza
March 1, 2010 - September 26, 2025Guitar instruction and advanced rock band leadership.
Graduate Assistant (Guitar instructor) at California Institute of the Arts
May 1, 2010 - September 26, 2025Graduate teaching assistant for guitar.
Guitar Instructor at Olenka School of Music
August 1, 2009 - September 26, 2025Guitar instruction for Columbia, MD.
Guitar Private/Camp Instructor at All About Music
August 1, 2009 - September 26, 2025Private and camp guitar instruction.
Lead Administrative Assistant at Johns Hopkins School of Public Health
May 1, 2005 - September 26, 2025Administrative support and coordination.
Temporary Office Assistant at Kelly Services
February 1, 2001 - September 26, 2025Temporary office support.
Office Assistant at Greyston Family Inn
May 1, 2000 - September 26, 2025General office duties.
Temporary Office Assistant at Elizabeth James
May 1, 2000 - September 26, 2025Temporary office duties.
Baker at Big Sky Bread Company
February 1, 2000 - September 26, 2025Baking duties and shop operations.
Volunteer Coordinator at Moveable Feast/Volunteer Maryland
February 1, 2000 - September 26, 2025Volunteer coordination and outreach.
Caretaker at The Arc of Anne Arundel County
January 1, 1999 - September 26, 2025Caretaker duties and support.
Barista/Cook at Golden West Café
January 1, 1999 - September 26, 2025Cafe service and food preparation.
Driver at Moveable Feast
July 1, 1997 - September 26, 2025Delivery and transport for AIDS service provider.
Music Instructor/Performer at Self-Employed
July 1, 2010 - PresentPrivate guitar instruction and live performances; developed curricula and world music fusion projects for individual students and groups.
Guitar Instructor at Heritage Home Conservatory
June 30, 2024 - September 26, 2025Guitar instruction across levels; designed curricula and coordinated student recitals.
Guitar Class Teacher at McCabe’s Guitar Shop
July 31, 2015 - September 26, 2025Taught African & Indian guitar classes; contributed to workshop programs and community outreach.
Guitar Instructor at Conejo Valley Music School
July 31, 2016 - September 26, 2025Guitar instruction for youth and adults; private lessons and ensemble coaching.
Guitar Private/Class Instructor at Neighborhood Music School
January 31, 2015 - September 26, 2025Private and group guitar instruction; advanced rock band leadership.
Guitar Private/Class Instructor at Eagle Rock Music Studio
September 30, 2017 - September 26, 2025Private and group guitar lessons; ensemble direction.
Guitar Instructor and Advanced Rock Band Leader at Community Arts Partnership (CAP) at Plaza De La Raza
March 31, 2010 - September 26, 2025Instructed guitar and led advanced rock band ensembles.
Graduate Assistant - Guitar Instructor at California Institute of the Arts
May 31, 2010 - September 26, 2025Guitar instruction as part of graduate assistant duties; assisted with ensemble direction.
Guitar Instructor/Performer at Self-Employed
August 31, 2009 - September 26, 2025Guitar instruction and live performances; independent project work and collaborations.
Guitar Instructor at Olenka School of Music
August 31, 2009 - September 26, 2025Private and group guitar instruction for a diverse student population.
Guitar Private/Camp Instructor at All About Music
August 31, 2009 - September 26, 2025Private and camp guitar instruction; program development for youth.
Lead Administrative Assistant at Johns Hopkins School of Public Health
May 31, 2005 - September 26, 2025Administrative support, scheduling, and office coordination for department.
Temporary Office Assistant at Kelly Services
February 28, 2001 - September 26, 2025General office support and administrative tasks.
Office Assistant at Greyston Family Inn
May 31, 2000 - September 26, 2025Administrative support and front-desk responsibilities.
Temporary Office Assistant at Elizabeth James
February 29, 2000 - September 26, 2025Office duties and clerical support.
Baker at Big Sky Bread Company
December 31, 1999 - September 26, 2025Bakery operations and production support.
Volunteer Coordinator at Moveable Feast/Volunteer Maryland
January 31, 1999 - September 26, 2025Volunteer coordination and outreach for community meals programs.
Caretaker at The Arc of Anne Arundel County
January 31, 1999 - September 26, 2025Caretaking and support duties for community program.
Barista/Cook at Golden West Café
July 31, 1997 - September 26, 2025Food service duties including barista and kitchen tasks.
Education
M.F.A in North Indian Music/World Music Performance at California Institute of the Arts, Valencia, CA
May 1, 2010 - September 26, 2025B.A. in Music, Magna Cum Laude at St. Mary's College of Maryland, St. Mary's City, MD
January 11, 2030 - May 1, 1994M.F.A In North Indian Music/World Music Performance at California Institute of the Arts, Valencia, CA
January 11, 2030 - May 1, 2010B.A. in Music, Magna Cum Laude at St. Mary’s College of Maryland, St. Mary’s City, MD
January 11, 2030 - May 1, 1994Qualifications
Shambhala Assistant Director Training
January 11, 2030 - September 26, 2025Arts Dathun (retreat) Karme Choling Retreat Center
January 11, 2030 - September 26, 2025Meditation Instructor Training, Shambhala Meditation Center of Los Angeles
January 11, 2030 - September 26, 2025Shambhala Guide Training, meditation instructor training
January 11, 2030 - September 26, 2025Vajradhatu Seminary
January 11, 2030 - September 26, 2025Shambhala Training series of weekend retreats
January 11, 2030 - September 26, 2025Dharma Art Teacher’s Training
January 11, 2030 - September 26, 2025Shambhala Assistant Director Training
February 1, 2011 - September 26, 2025Arts Dathun (retreat)
July 1, 2010 - September 26, 2025Meditation Instructor Training
February 1, 2010 - September 26, 2025Shambhala Guide Training
October 1, 2007 - September 26, 2025Vajradhatu Seminary – 3-month intensive meditation study retreat
June 1, 2000 - September 26, 2025Shambhala Training – series of weekend meditation retreats
January 1, 1995 - December 31, 1999Dharma Art Teacher’s Training
May 1, 1998 - September 26, 2025Industry Experience
Media & Entertainment, Education, Professional Services, Non-Profit Organization
Experience Level
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