Who's Who: David Chidsey

Name: David Chidsey

Position & school(s): guitar specialist at Monticello High. I also coach chamber music and teach Intro to Performing Arts, Performance Skills and General Music classes.

How long have you been teaching? This is my second year.

Where did you go to college? What degrees do you hold? I came to Monticello from New York City where I completed an M.A. degree in Music Ed at Teachers College, Columbia University and received my NY state certification. I am also a professional classical guitarist, having received an MM in classical guitar from the University of Wisconsin.. I went to the Lawrence Conservatory of Music for my B.M. degree in performance.

Any awards/accomplishments? Any claims to fame? I lived and toured in Vienna, Austria. I have performed in Europe and Canada and have won a few prizes in some major competitions.

What's your favorite part of your job? Working with music, and seeing students exceed expectations.

Why did you become a music teacher? I love music, and I am a natural pedagogue. The rest just worked itself out.

Did you do anything else before you became a music teacher? Nothing significant. Music is my only vocation

In your opinion, why do you think music education is important? Music, and all of the arts, are essential in providing society with an outlet for expressing ideas and critically thinking.

Who is your favorite musician? Julian Bream (classical guitar), Joe Satriani (Rock guitar) AC Jobim (Jazz Musician)

What CD is in your CD player right now? Julian Bream, Complete Sonatas and Partitas of JS Bach

What are your hobbies? yoga and meditation, outdoors

What advice would you offer to an aspiring musician? Find an interesting or unusual way to get through the difficult moments of practice and study. The work will never seem like work.

Anything else you'd like to add? Feel free to find sound clips and video lessons at my website www.davidchidsey.com