With over 35 years teaching experience, Dave delights in meeting students exactly where they are, appreciating their unique genius, learning styles and musical tastes,while encouraging them to grow to a new level, both in musicianship and as people. He conveys fundamental information regarding rhythm, melody, harmony, and texture. He also works on ear training, ergonomics, cultivating technique, individual expression, the value of music making as a cathartic activity, and enjoyment.

Dave has been teaching music for 31 years, in New York, New Jersey and California.
He received a B.A. in music theory and history and a B.A. in psychology from Drew University, and studied drums and percussion privately in New York and San Francisco with Andrew Cyrille, Barry Altschul, Zakir Hussain, Jack Van der Wyck and Richard Perrini.

He also plays piano, marimba and guitar. Mihaly has toured the U.S, Canada, Europe and the South Seas and is featured on recordings by Iron & the Albatross, Jolie Holland, Sean Hayes, After the End of the World Coretet, and his own Shimmering Leaves.