About Piano Dave

 

David Schlossberg is a 26-year-old pianist from West Windsor, New Jersey.  A member of numerous musical groups around the New Brunswick area, David is an advocate for musical growth within the community.  He loves Jewish folk music, but also loves jazz--and composers such as Bach and Chopin.

David began his piano playing career at the age of 5; however, unlike most pianists, he was not classically trained.  Under the tutelage of a longtime cocktail pianist named Wally Selick, David focused on chords and improvisation instead of typical classical keyboard repertoire.  As a result of his ten years of study with Wally, David developed a skill set that distinguished him from other pianists, as well as a healthy respect for the life of a musician.  He was a voracious learner all through high school, seeking to improve the quality of his playing through advanced music courses and ensemble work.

After high school, David decided to attend The College of New Jersey, known for its quality music program.  Majoring in Piano Performance, David studied under world-renowned concert pianist Rita Shklar, who supplemented his jazz background with classical technique.  Volunteering his time as dinner entertainment in the campus dining hall, David eventually became a favorite of faculty.  Having established himself within the institution as “Piano Dave,” he became a mainstay of its music culture.  He has performed at hundreds of faculty and student events during his time there, most notably playing for the president of The College of New Jersey.

David graduated in 2006 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Piano Performance.  Since then, he works as an accompanist for the prestigious Princeton Ballet School. He is also the accompanist for the acclaimed New Jersey Cantor’s Concert Ensemble, as well as Makhelat Hamercaz, a Jewish community choir based out of Highland Park, and the West Orange-based Kol Dodi choir. David is in demand for Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, corporate parties, weddings, and community events.  He regularly plays at local libraries, drawing large crowds with his tasteful renditions of popular music.  He enjoys playing at assisted living residences and nursing homes. He has also contributed to an album of children's songs.  He has signed on as musical director for the Concordia Chorale, a singing group based out of the Concordia Adult Community of Monroe.  In addition, David serves as the official accompanist of Anshe Emeth Memorial Temple in New Brunswick, accompanying the Adult Choir and Junior Choir.  He is also a member of Tsu Fil Duvids (Too Many Daves), a Klezmer band out of Highland Park.

David looks forward to many more years of serving his community through music.

 

What people have to say...

 

"The East Brunswick Public Library has had the good fortune of bringing in pianist Dave Schlossberg more than five times in the past two years. Each event was unique and wildly successful--our overflow audiences always wanted more! Dave is both a talented musician and a consummate professional. The depth and range of his piano repertoire is truly awe inspiring.  Dave plays flawlessly and seemingly effortlessly. His music is both familiar and new since he gives it his unique flair. Each time he performs at the library, the crowd demands that we bring him back and we are happy to do so. Dave Schlossberg provides a musical program that entertains, feeds the soul, and reminds us all that music truly is the universal language.

 

— Mary Ellen Firestone, Assistant Library Director, East Brunswick Public Library

 

"'Piano Dave' Schlossberg is one of the most talented musicians I have ever had the pleasure of working with. His knowledge of music, be it Broadway, pop, classical, Great American Songbook, Yiddish/Israeli/the entire gamut of Jewish music, is simply mind-boggling.  He can take a simple tune and transform it into an expression from the full range of human experience. No matter what musical setting he is in, he is the heart and soul of it. When he accompanies me as a soloist, I know I have a full partner in our creation."

 

 

— Cantor Anna West Ott, Anshe Emeth Memorial Temple, New Brunswick, NJ

 

 

"Thank you again for a great night. I'm still getting phone calls from party guests saying what an amazing time they had.  People just didn't want the night to end."

 

— Jackie Giuliano, Lawrenceville, NJ

 

 

"The party was really memorable, in large part to Piano Dave."

 

— Pete Sagona, Pottstown, PA

 

 

"I recently attended a friend's birthday party where Dave played. He was wonderful! Dave has the perfect balance of being able to play soft cocktail music and switching gears to a higher energy-more audience interacting music as the evening progresses. Dave's command of a wide variety of music was impressive from contemporary to rock to show tunes. I highly recommend hiring Dave."

 

— M. Svoboda, Lawrenceville, NJ

 

 

"Dave is simply the best pianist I've ever seen and heard live. He inspired me to learn to play the piano. He graciously agreed to play the cocktail reception at my wedding, and to this day, our family and friends still tell me how amazed they were by his performance. Piano Dave is simply the best — professional, talented, and reasonable in price.  Your event will be memorable if you hire Piano Dave as your entertainment."

 

— Jacob Farbman, Trenton, NJ

 

 

"Dave was awesome! He played piano for our Jewish ceremony with both Jewish and secular music. He was always easy to get a hold of and work with and was extremely reasonably priced!! Loved him and would refer him to anyone!"

 

— Heather Koch, New Brunswick, NJ

 

 

"Piano Dave's repertoire of songs stretches from Broadway show tunes to movie classics. From Rodgers and Hammerstein to Grease, from Ella Fitzgerald and Louie Armstrong to Rod Stewart and Billy Joel. His catchy tunes bring out the secret thespian or Broadway star in each of us, rekindling memories of youth and carefree days. In his quiet and inobtrusive way, Dave brings the party to life and you just cannot stop yourself from dancing and singing along. Once you have enjoyed a party with Piano Dave, he is a must have for future events."

 

— Phiroze Rao, Lawrenceville, NJ

 

 

"Having you play the keyboard at a luncheon following our granddaughter's Bat Mitzvah contributed a lot to making the day both a memorable and joyous one.  You played beautful music from the heart. We received many compliments on your playing. Thank you!"

 

— Ken and Judy Streisand, East Brunswick, NJ

 

 

"Dave arrived punctually, at my home, to provide live entertainment for a surprise 50th birthday party. He was very professional and brought a beautiful touch of sophistication and elegance to a party atmosphere. In addition to playing classical, as well as modern-day music, he honored special requests made by my guests. He was simply adored by family and friends; an absolute delight and I would recommend him for any party! Many thanks, Dave, for making my plans for a memorable evening for my husband a success."

 

— Sue Distefano, Lawrenceville, NJ

 

"Piano Dave was unbelievable!  He played a wide range of piano music at our cocktail hour!  He played requests from guests, and didn't even need sheet music.  He always smiled and kept the guests entertained!  He wa a true professional and a highlight of the wedding."

 

— Matt S. , North Brunswick, NJ

 

"Thank you so very much for all you do here at the Chelsea at East Brunswick.  The residents really enjoy your music.  By high demand the residents of the Chelsea would love to have you back once a month to play the piano for our birthday celebrations.  Your talent on the piano has made such an impact on the residents' lives."

 

— Lucy Tamayo, Recreation Director, The Chelsea at East Brunswick

 

"Thank you so much for making our Chanukah extra special.  Your talent is amazing and you bring such joy to all of us."

 

— Bonnie S., New Brunswick

"Thank you for your lovely piano performance at the Monroe Library...All of our patrons had a lovely time and were delighted by your holiday music."

 

—Gina Blume, Public Relations Coordinator, Monroe Township Public Library

"Dave Schlossberg's piano style is accessible and sensitive, and he knows how to swing.  He is the heart of my new jazz trio.  Thank you, Dave!"

—Carol Heffler, singer and recording artist, Lambertville, NJ

 

"Your magic fingers, encyclopedic knowledge of songs, creativity and sense of humor made a big difference at my surprise party last night.  Thanks for those memories.  The party was fun,  and the music was definitely the key."

—Ron Silikovitz, West Orange, NJ