ACADEMIC BIO
Dr. Whitman is music faculty at San Diego State University, and holds a B.A. in Music from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, a M.M. in Percussion Performance and Pedagogy from Kansas State University, and a D.M.A. in Percussion Performance and Pedagogy from the University of Southern Mississippi. In addition to teaching at SDSU, he also holds the positions of Adjunct Percussion Faculty at San Diego Christian College and Arts Department Chair/Instructional Leader for Guajome Schools.
Prior to joining the faculty at SDSU, Dr. Whitman taught at the University of Wisconsin-Stout, Kansas State University, and the University of Southern Mississippi. At Kansas State he assisted in conducting the KSU Percussion Ensemble and Latin Jazz Ensemble, teaching courses in percussion methods and applied percussion, and acting as percussion instructor and arranger for the Pride of Wildcat Land Marching Band. While at Southern Miss he instructed the Pride Drum Line, percussion methods, applied percussion, and assisted in directing basketball pep bands. At the University of Wisconsin-Stout he served as Jazz Band Director.
In addition to a wealth of performance experience, Dr. Whitman is a dedicated educator. His many students have gone on to accomplish great things themselves. They have become music educators, professional musicians, college scholarship winners, recording and touring artists, rock stars, and non-music professionals leading a musically enriched life. Dr. Whitman makes an effort to find quality and performing opportunities for all of his dedicated students. He is a member of the International Academy of Performing Arts and Sciences and an adjudicator for the European-based ENKOR competitions.
Dr. Whitman has authored articles for Percussive Notes, the scholarly journal of the Percussive Arts Society, and his arrangements and compositions are published by Gary Gilroy Publications and Really Good Music. He has received special recognition for outstanding contribution to the Kansas State University Symphony Band and Marching Band, and is a member of the National Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the National Music Honor Society of Pi Kappa Lambda, Golden Key International Honor Society, and The National Scholars Honor Society. He is also a member of the Percussive Arts Society and Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity, as well as a past member of the International Association for Jazz Education and Kansas Band Master’s Association. He is also an honorary member of the Junior National Young Leaders Conference.
Dr. Whitman proudly endorses REMO products, and is a REMO artist educator.
In a few words, David is legit. His knowledge about drumming and percussion in general, both in theory and practice, is so vast. He has a lot of both academic and real life experience and teaches at SDSU---I’ve seen one of his recitals there, which was pretty awesome. I wanted to learn the fundamentals of drumming and how to practice. He fully appreciated this, and gave me good approaches for establishing a good foundation and developing good technique. He also stresses the importance of musicality and of feeling the music and letting that come out in your playing, knowing the importance of good time and fundamentals and striking a balance between the two. One little cool thing is that he also encourages his students to record their lessons (e.g., on their cell phones) and review them. This has helped me a lot because I don’t always remember things later on. He also sometimes plays during the lesson, which always helps guide and inspire me! I have met at least five of his other students and they represent a range of ages and skills. David is good-natured, friendly, and forthright. Last but not least, he’s got DOPE BEATS on lock, if you’re into that. Do not hesitate to take lessons from David.
--Kevin Wu, Computer Scientist/Drum Student/Music Lover
While David’s main duties for me have largely been timpani, he has proven himself to be a top flight percussionist with expertise on many different percussion instruments. Always bringing a great attitude to rehearsals and concerts, he is kind, respectful and filled to the brim with the kind of musicianship rarely found in the world today. I know that if he weren’t available for my groups, we would suffer the loss of someone of his high caliber. I consider it a blessing to have David working with me in any musical occasion.
--John Lorge, Principal Horn Emeritus San Diego Symphony/Conductor La Jolla Brass Ensemble/Conductor Hornswoggle