We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dave Cerelli. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Dave below.

Dave, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

I am very grateful to say that I earn a full-time living as a musician. Becoming a full-time musician was one of my first self appointed career goals. I’ve known since I was fifteen that I wanted to be a professional musician. Like many aspiring artists, I had realized what I wanted but I didn’t have the knowledge or experience needed to achieve that goal. So I did what every young musician does, play. I was fortunate enough to have had music lessons since the age of five. I was proficient on piano and had about four years of experience on bass & guitar. I practiced religiously, enthralled by the discovery of new music and musicians. I joined a band in high school with like-minded musicians that helped push me to higher learning. I entered the world of academia in 2012 and graduated with a Master’s of Music: Jazz Performance degree in 2019.

I can thankfully say that I have been a full-time musician since 2017, and I am humbled by every new amazing opportunity. Becoming a full-time musician takes time, patience, and hard work. Making an impact in your local music scene is crucial. Support jam sessions, attend concerts, be punctual. These are just a few small things that got me to where I am now. And of course, practice. I strive to make every performance my absolute best. I constantly seek out new musical challenges and endeavors. I love creating music.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Hi, I’m Dave! I love music in all forms and expressions. I am always excited to play, collaborate, compose, and experiment musically.

Below is an in depth look at my professional career.

Dave is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, and arranger based in Toledo, Ohio. He began music lessons at the age of five years old. He received his undergraduate degree in instrumental jazz from the University of Toledo in 2017 with a focus on jazz bass; followed by a Masters degree in instrumental jazz from the University of Toledo in 2019.

Dave has toured across the country performing with a variety of musicians and bands spanning across many different genres of music. He has performed in major cities such as NYC, Philadelphia, Nashville, Chicago, and many more.

He has shared the stage with distinguished artists including Jon Hendricks, Vic Juris, Alex Harding, and Billy Childs. He has performed in direct support of artists such as Foreigner, Styx, Vinny Appice (Black Sabbath, Dio), Gwen Stefani and more. Dave has held residencies across the region with top caliber musicians and continues to diversify as his music expands nationally.

In 2017, Dave received endorsement from Moniker Guitars LLC. In 2019 he received endorsement from Reverend Guitars.

Dave is also an avid music educator. He actively teaches multiple instruments, recording techniques, and sound engineering. He also lectured the History of Jazz classes for the University of Toledo as an adjunct professor. Dave currently teaches music part time at Toledo School for the Arts.

As an active musician, Dave regularly performs across the region with top notch jazz ensembles, award winning cover bands, driving rock combos, experimental progressive groups, musical pit orchestras, traditional jazz collectives, and house band jam sessions.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My goal is to seamlessly fit into any musical situation. I love creating music of all genres and styles and I work every day to improve my abilities. I strive to collaborate with as many musicians as possible and bring my own voice to new ideas. I love being a session musician as much as I love getting on stage. My goal is to perform music in any way that I can.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is bringing joy to those around me. Whether I’m playing at a local pub, or stepping onto a stadium stage; everyone is there to experience joy through music. I am humbled by the support and enjoyment playing music brings to myself and others. I’m thankful for every session, performance, and new musical opportunity.

Contact Info:

• Website: davecerellimusic.com
• Instagram: @davecerellimusic
• Facebook: @davecerellimusic
• Twitter: @davecerelli
• Youtube: @davecerellimusic