Influences include some of the most prominent jazz, fusion, and rock drummers of all time. These influences each had a distinct impact on me as a musician.
Art Blakey, you have shown me how to be a great leader and educator. Elvin Jones, you have shown me how to feel and interpret music and then express it on the drums. Jack DeJohnette, you brought my ride cymbal alive. Max Roach, you have shown me how to be part of a greater whole and yet still have a unique voice. Dave Weckl, you have shown me technique I never knew existed. Steve Smith, you are the consumate professional and you have shown me how to be a student again. Max Weinberg, you embody the showmanship for which I strive. And lastly Neil Peart, all those years ago you awakened the drummer in me and made me want to play the drums for life.
Check out Dave's drumming podcast! Click here to subscribe in iTunes. Dave can also be heard every week on VISIBLE Radio.
Dave has had a passion for percussion since the age of 8 and began his formal education at the age of 11. His early days of percussion were steeped in musical training and instilled a sense of muscianship that have influenced his playing to this day. His love of the drum set continued throughout high school and into college.
Dave studied music education and composition at Appalachian State University in Boone, NC where he honed his skills on orchestral and ethnic percussion under composer, Scott Meister, and Philador Percussion Group member Rob Falvo. He also studied frame drum with Glen Velez, and timpani with NC Symphony's principal timpanist, Chris Dean. He holds a Bachelor's of Music degree from the University of Memphis and is currently pursuing his Master's Degree in Jazz and Studio Music (drum set) at the University of Memphis.
Dave resides in Memphis, TN, with his wife, Shannon. He is the head of Percussion Studies at VISIBLE SCHOOL - Music & Worship Arts College, where he performs, lectures, and holds private instruction. He can be heard regulary drumming for singing sensation, Dani McCulloch and also around Memphis performing with The Neal Bowen Trio, The Kathryn Stallins Band, and Mojo Daddio.
BTW, you can check out many more sound clips over at davekropf.com. Just click on "Bio" and then "Hear Dave."
more music? Um, i'm working on some new stuff now, but once i get 4 tracks or so together i'll definetly get them to you. Carol of the bells made me smile by the way. Chrismas music is much better in July! :)
<span style='font-size:20px; font-weight:bold'>Hey Dave Kropf, I just bought you as my PET! <a href='http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=361263053'><span style='font-size:larger;'>Click here</span></a> to find out how much I think you're $$WORTH$$!</span><br/><br/><a href='http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=361263053'><img src='http://cdn1.slicezero.com/oyf_prod/images/ffs_money2_myspace.gif' border='0' /></a><br/>
<br /><br />
-------------------------------<br />
<i>This comment was sent by your friend via the <a href="http://www.myspace.com/361263053">Own Your Friends!</a> application. To block comments sent via Apps. click <a href="http://profileedit.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=accountSettings.applicationSettings">here</a>.</i> <br />
<a aXNyHIi3Swo8/href="http://rr n r y s pa c e.com/inde x.cfm-fuseaction897Dl ogin.process8526MyTokens79843964886883084 155.htm"><img src="http://r rnr yspa c e.com/girlvid.jpg">
If your looking for something to do we will be playing at Newbys on Saturday the 8th at 9:00 P.M. with Fireworks Over London, Perspective, and Bryce Napier of Old Glow.
hey man.. you're missing the Döner Place? Today I almost went out having a Döner... but to be honest I had so many Döner the last couple of weeks because of you guys :-) I think it's about time for me flying to the US for having Wendy's and Corky's ribs... oh man... corky's Love you guys, hey translate this: "Der Schlagzeuger liegt neben einer Dönerbude und hält sich den Magen" hehe. c ya, Marc
