David NAjera GonzAlez
David Nájera González is a Mexican drummer, composer and educator currently based in NYC. Since his childhood, a strong gravitation towards music has acted as a driving life force.
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At the age of 19 he moved to NYC and attended the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music, graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 2021.
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After working for a year as a bandleader, sideman and educator, he decided to pursue a Master's degree at Queens College. There he was mentored by Dennis Mackrel, Antonio Hart, David Berkman, and Michael Mossman. He graduated in 2024.
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He actively leads his trio, a Brooklyn based contemporary jazz group. They recently toured Mexico, playing at internationally recognized venues such as Zinco Jazz Club (Mexico City), to promote their latest single release “Water Corner”.
He has performed with musicians Marina Albero, Takuya Kuroda, Alejandra Williams Maneri, Matt Lavon, Julia Chen, Nate Liebert and Hina Oikawa and Javier Madrazo.
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Teaching
Apart from performing, David finds joy in helping people explore music. Teaching has become a way to give back to the community. He is grateful to have worked with the following organizations in NYC:
Brooklyn Conservatory of Music
Is currently a faculty member and works at their Music Partners division teaching percussion in public schools
New York Enrichment Group
After-school drum circle classes for third and fourth graders at PS 099 and PS 247
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Rhythm and Movement classes at Raices Astoria Older Adults Center
Kupferberg Center For The Arts
Worked assisting Tyreek Mcdole, Steven Salcedo and Kofi Hunter as part of the Mosaic Artist Residency at PS 020