Meet our Music Director

David Friman holds a Master of Music in Instrumental Jazz Performance from New York University and a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from the University of Houston. With over 20 years of teaching experience, he brings a strong university level perspective to private instruction. Friman previously taught at New York University as adjunct jazz faculty and currently serves as a Lecturer and Jazz Ensemble Director at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.

His teaching emphasizes the core skills expected in collegiate music programs: a reliable technique, refined musicianship, accurate reading, stylistic clarity, and confident performance. Alongside a strong classical foundation, Friman guides students in developing improvisation as a practical skill, building fluency in harmony, rhythm, and form through real repertoire. Students also explore the language of American jazz and blues and rhythmic concepts drawn from Afro Cuban and Brazilian traditions.

Because every student’s goals are different, Friman tailors each program to the individual, combining clear structure with creativity. His aim is to equip students with the skills, understanding, and musical confidence to progress steadily, perform with others, and develop their own artistic voice.

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  • Music Director: David Friman

    DAVID FRIMAN

    MUSIC DIRECTOR

    MASTER OF MUSIC IN INSTRUMENTAL JAZZ PERFORMANCE

    BACHELOR OF MUSIC IN PIANO PERFORMANCE

    David Friman holds a Master of Music in Instrumental Jazz Performance from New York University and a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from the University of Houston. He previously taught at NYU as adjunct jazz faculty and currently serves as a Lecturer and Jazz Ensemble Director at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.

    With over 20 years of teaching experience, Friman helps students build strong technique, musicianship, and confident performance. His lessons combine classical fundamentals with practical improvisation, developing fluency in harmony, rhythm, and style through jazz, blues, and Afro Cuban and Brazilian influences.

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