DANIEL A. WALZER

536 Brookview Estates Drive

Antioch, TN 37013

Tel. (513) 325-0658

E-mail: WALZERD@HOTMAIL.COM

Website: Http://www.danwalzer.com

 

 

Education

 

 

Music Technology Certificate, Nashville State Community College; (complete by 8/2010)

 

                Executive Bachelor’s in Music Business, Middle TN State University; (In progress)

 

                Masters of Arts in Digital Media/Communication (To begin August, 2010)

 

Performer’s Certificate, Institute of Investigative Music; Salvador, Brazil (July 2005)

 

Master of Music, Jazz Studies, University of Cincinnati, College-Conservatory of Music; Cincinnati, OH; June 2005

 

Bachelor of Music, Bowling Green State University; Bowling Green, OH; August 2000

 

Teaching Experience

 

March 2007-Current: Full Time Audio Production Instructor, Art Institute of TN-Nashville, Nashville TN                                                                                                                 

Teach courses in Music Fundamentals, World Music, and Broadcast Audio, Advanced Music Theory, Streaming Media, Survey of the Music Industry, and Listening and Analysis at a four year college. 

 

2005- Current, Percussion/Music Instructor, World Music Nashville, Nashville TN

Teach percussionists of all ages and skill levels and coached several ensembles for upcoming performance workshops and clinics. 

 

Radio/Freelance/Professional Employment

           

            Present, Owner, Essence of Now Media, Nashville TN

Write and produce interview segments relating to the music industry.  Shows are aired in podcast format on a variety of outlets including Indieheaven.com and through iTunes.  Have established numerous relevant contacts in the music industry and have included several high-profile artists and executives.  All production, imaging, scripts, and scheduling is handled in-house. 

 

January 2001-Present, Owner, Essence of Now Records and Publishing LLC, Nashville TN

Owner of a Midwest-based record label based in Tennessee.  Oversee the production, duplication, and promotion of albums across multiple genres.  Discography includes nearly ten albums over the past decade. Albums from EON records have garnered national airplay on more than one hundred non-commercial radio stations and have been nominated for several regional entertainment awards. A full-service independent outlet online and in stores.  Original compositions have been placed across the spectrum of media, from MTV Networks to the Sundance Short Film Festival.

 

August 2009- Present, Network Board Operator/Producer, WAYFM Media and Christian Hit Radio Satellite Network, Franklin TN

Supervise weekend network programming for affiliates of WAYFM.  Upload and edit voice tracks as needed, monitor transmitters across the Southeast and ensure proper timing of all programming elements across the station clusters. 

 

 

August 2008-February 2008, Weekend Air Talent, Saga Communications, Clarksville TN

On-air work for WCVQ (Q108) and swing shift work during mid-days and afternoon drive. 

 

April 2007-June 2008, Public Affairs Director, Citadel Broadcasting, Nashville TN

Wrote, edited and produced thirty-minute radio shows for three radio stations.  Established relationships with members of the nonprofit sector, PR firms, and dozens of other local and state organizations for public affairs purposes.  Boosted station’s public affairs department with several nationally syndicated interviewees including Robert Kiyosaki, Bebe Winans, and former White House Staff.   Conducted dozens of interviews and gained outstanding proficiency with all Digital Audio Workstations including Audition, Vegas, Sound Forge, Pro Tools, Garageband, Logic, and more. 

 

 

 

2005-2007 Network Producer/Air Talent, Citadel Broadcasting, Nashville TN

Responsibilities include producing live radio broadcasts, voice-tracking weekends on the country station; other duties include call screening, producing live talk shows/sporting events, and audio production.  Gained proficiency in network sports programming including the Nashville Predators and Titans Radio. 

 

2005 Weekend Radio Personality, WAKW FM, Cincinnati, OH

Responsibilities included performing on air shift, audio production, and operation of transmitters, serving in a ministry capacity. 

 

              2002-2005, Full-Time Radio Personality, WPFB FM, Middletown, OH

Responsibilities included performing on air shift, audio production, operation of transmitters, live    remote broadcasts, anchoring and writing news, and training new employees.

 

2001-2002 Radio Personality and Producer, Cox Radio, Dayton OH

Responsibilities included performing on air shift, audio production, operation of transmitters, and assisting with live remote broadcasts.  Gained proficiency with network programming including call-screening and board operation for guests including Sean Hannity and Neil Boortz. 

 

2001 Morning Show Producer/Programming Assistant, Clear Channel, Dayton OH

Responsibilities included producing a nationally syndicated morning show “Valentine in the Morning”.  Additional responsibilities included voice-tracking on air shift, audio production, operation of transmitters, assisting with live broadcasts, and maintenance of station website.              

 

1996-2000 Morning Show Host/Jazz Programming Director,

WBGU FM, Bowling Green OH

Responsibilities included hosting a weekly morning jazz show, overseeing more than 20 hours of jazz programming each week, audio production, operation of transmitters, developing relationships with record companies, and maintenance of department website.   Station gained reporting status in Gavin and CMJ as a result of my overseeing the department. 

 

 

Digital Audio and Music Workstations:  (Sample list)

 

Pro Tools 8.0                                                         Intermediate

Adobe Audition                                                    Expert

Sony Vegas 6.0                                                     Expert

Sony Sound Forge                                                Expert

Audacity                                                                Expert

Garageband                                                          Expert

Scott Studios                                                         Expert

I Media Touch                                                      Expert

TLC (Trim Label and Convert)                         Expert

Finale Music Notation Software                       Intermediate

Propellerhead Reason                                         Intermediate

Final Cut Pro                                                         (To be certified February 2010)

 

                Fluent in all Microsoft platforms including PowerPoint and Microsoft Office

 

                Windows XP and Windows Vista

                Mac OS X and more. 

 

Selected Discography

 

                Daniel Walzer, The Time is Now to Shine; 2010                           (Drums/Percussion, Producer)

                Luke Valiquette, All Broke Down; 2008                                         (Drums)

Luke Valiquette, Old Town; 2007                                                    (Drums)

Jane Brock, Low Backed Dress; 2007                                             (Drums/Percussion)

                Network Pacific Records, Jazz Guitar Sampler; 2006                 (Drums/Percussion)

Bronwyn Davies-Mason; Revealed; 2006                                     (Percussion)

                The Groundsmen; Skyline; 2006                                                     (Drums/Percussion)

Rob Fetters; Musician; 2005                                                            (Drums)

                Adam Smith, Suzuki Fun; 2004                                                       (Drums)

                DW Project, So Many Dreams (So Little Time); 2004                  (Drums/Percussion, Producer)

                The Trent Affair, B Sides and Demos; 2004                                  (Drums)

              Amber Rayburn-Lierl, Self-titled; 2004                                            (Drums)

              Duglus Alun: Aggressive Meditation;                                                (Executive Producer)

DW Project, Emerge; 2003                                                                (Drums/Percussion, Keyboards)

              Various, Voices of Harvest Moon; 2002                                           (Drums)

                Readymaid, This View Should Never Change; 2002                  (Executive Producer)

Various, Just Listen Vol. 2; 2002                                                     (Drums)

                Dophesus, Opium Cunningham; 2002                                            (Executive Producer)

                Various, Just Listen Vol. 1; 2001                                                     (Executive Producer)

                Various, Around the World in 60 Minutes; 2001                          (Drums)

                DW Project, Welcome to the Open Door; 2001                             (Multi-instrumental, Engineer)

Adam Smith, Worship at Work; 2001                                             (Drums)

                Staring at the Sea, Small Moves; 2001                                            (Drums, Percussion, Rhodes)

                Vic Daniels Quartet, With the Crows; 2001                                   (Percussion)

Various, Bittersweet Relief Vol. 1; 2001                                         (Percussion, Piano)

                Various, Our Musik 1999; 1999                                                       (Drums/Percussion)

BGSU Philharmonia, The Composer’s Voice; 1999                     (Percussion)

 

RECENT PERFORMANCE EXPERIENCE

         

          Current: Leader of the DW Project/Dan Walzer Trio.

                Lead my own trio in performances across the country.

                I have successfully booked and toured with this ensemble for six years.                 

                Guest artists have included Adam Nitti, Rob Fetters, Ric Hordinski and more.

 

2007-2009: Member of the Pocket Monsters Trio.

                Perform extensively throughout the Nashville area. 

 

                2007-2009: Member of the Corinne Gooden Band.

                Member of the backing band that supports this singer/songwriter. 

                The band performs throughout North Carolina, Georgia and Nashville.

 

                2005-Current: Frequent Guest Performer with Dave Isaacs Trio.

                Perform and record original music with guitarist Dave Isaacs. 

 

2006-2007: Member of the Rodney Branigan Trio.

                Toured throughout the United States supporting this highly acclaimed guitarist.

                The trio recorded numerous sides that will ultimately be released. 

 

                2005-2006:  Member of Flair. 

                Toured all throughout the United States (Southeast primarily) with original rock band.

                The group performed both originals and covers for corporate functions.

 

                2005-2008:  Freelance performances. 

                A selection of artists including Jennifer Brantley (country) and Jace Seavers (jazz). 

                I always maintain a busy schedule performing locally.

 

 

RECENT PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITY/DEVELOPMENT:    

 

April 2010:  Panelist and Presenter, BEA Conference, Las Vegas, NV.

Presenting a paper and participation in a roundtable discussion about employment issues in the broadcasting industry.  Also an in-depth analysis of the most viable options for aspiring university professors, and how they can tailor their unique experiences into viable employment opportunities.  Presentation is at the Broadcasting Educators Association National Conference. 

 

April 2009:  Panelist and Presenter, BEA Conference, Las Vegas, NV.

Presenting a paper and participation in a roundtable discussion about employment issues in the broadcasting industry.  Also an in-depth analysis of the most viable options for aspiring university professors, and how they can tailor their unique experiences into viable employment opportunities.  Presentation is at the Broadcasting Educators Association National Conference. 

 

March 2009:  Invited Participant, CIA Conference, Nashville, TN.

Asked to speak and participate at the 6th annual Christian Independent Alliance Conference which is sponsored in part by Indieheaven.com Primary duties are to interview panel speakers and music industry experts.  Live broadcast my talk show from the event itself. 

 

December 2008- February 2009: Studio session work with Celtic pop artist Bronwyn Davies-Mason, The Toy Box, Nashville, TN. 

                Tracking percussion and drums for the second record from Nashville-based Celtic artist Bronwyn

                Davies-Mason.  Recorded several songs at the Toy Box Studio in East Nashville, TN. 

 

January 2009: Presentation on Globalization in the Marketplace and Classroom, Art Institute of TN-Nashville

Presented a two-hour lecture and PowerPoint presentation on the Art Institute Mission Review Task Force and how faculty can successfully implement strategies that prepare students for the marketplace.  Lecture was a part of a campus-wide faculty development workshop.  I researched and produced the entire presentation in conjunction with our Faculty Development Rubrics to the entire AiTN faculty.   

 

June-July 2008: Studied Brazilian Popular Music in Sao Paulo, Brazil. 

                Spent two weeks studying with renowned Brazilian drummer Christiano Rocha.

Rocha is widely considered to be one of the top drummer/percussionists in South

America and has written a definitive instructional book on Brazilian rhythms. 

 

May 2008-Current:  Brazilian Percussion Study with Dann Sherrill. 

Continuing my study of ethnomusicology with Nashville Percussionist Dann Sherrill.

 

November 2007:  Drum set study with John Riley. 

Traveled to New York City to study jazz drum set and percussion with John Riley at the Manhattan School of Music.  Riley is considered to be one of the greatest teachers of modern drum set applications and has written three books on the subject.  I spent several hours learning new techniques and ideas at his Manhattan School of Music studio. 

 

August 2007: Clinic Performance at AiTN Nashville. 

Presented a drum set clinic entitled “The Changing Paradigm” for students at the Art Institute of Tennessee-Nashville.  Demonstrated both solo concepts and working in a group. 

 

May 2007-February 2010:  Assisted with Band Clinics/Workshops at World Music Nashville. 

Coached several student ensembles in both solo and group performances. 

 

 

SELECTED REVIEWS

 

“So Many Dreams (So Little Time), the new album from DW Project (the brainchild of composer/drummer Dan Walzer. Dreams is the Project's third release and also the latest from Walzer's own Essence of Now label. Walzer -- playing percussion, vibes and keyboards on the disc -- once again proves himself an able bandleader, gathering solid musicians from the area, including pianist Erwin Stuckey, bassists Kerry Jordan, Matt Parmenter and Steve Whipple and guitarist Ric Hordinski, who also lends his engineering and writing skills on the trance-y ‘Samba De Verdad’. The music on Dreams is best called Jazz, but Walzer approaches music with a more fusionary eye, drawing from whatever diverse elements necessary to best serve his instrumental soundscapes. Wildly varied, Walzer and his accomplices gracefully move from straight-forward traditional jazz numbers like their cover of ‘Mo' Better Blues’ and the original ‘Stained Glass’ to airy, ambient fare like the pensive piano musing ‘Thank You Interlude: (Let's Dream)’ and more funky Contemporary Jazz fare like ‘Grace’. But things get really interesting on the more esoteric Fusion tracks like ‘Sorry,’ ‘Foam Tunnel,’ ‘I See Purple’ and ‘Working on Wednesdays,’ which features some high-wire electric guitar fuzz that burns like Robert Fripp's fretwork. DW Project is most interesting when delving into loops and samples and opening up the playing field a little wider. But, as it stands, So Many Dreams is like a cool, dynamic mix tape that serves well as background music but, once you pay attention a little closer, reveals itself to be much more.” (Review of DW Project’s So Many Dreams from Cincinnati’s Citybeat Magazine)

“DW Project is chiefly Dan Walzer (drums, percussion, vibes, and keyboards) and Chuck Wiggins (keyboards) with help from their outstanding collaborators Ric Hordinski (acoustic and electric guitars, fretless electric guitar, electric bass, Chapman Stick, loops), Dave Larocca (double bass) and Kerry Jordan (electric bass). Their new CD gives notice that they are more than ready to ‘Emerge’ as a compelling force in the instrumental jazz-rock fusion dominion. Although it is multifaceted in its maturation, I found this music quick to assimilate. It all seems to come as a natural matter of course for this talented ensemble to design this breathtaking music. It was very easy for me to fall into the vast pool of sounds offered on this carefully textured and toned amalgamation of jazz. While taking colors from the palettes of specific genres such as rock, jazz and blues, the blend is both appealing and interesting. They in effect create a sub-genre that is hard to define. What you get is one-way ticket around the musical world on one CD, and the price is right. When I listen to music like this, I cannot help but feel how words would get in the way of the aural landscapes that are painted so beautifully with the instruments alone. If it sounds like I am gushing, it is because I am. I absolutely adore music like this. Because of my love for jazz and progressive rock, I feel that exposure to the best of both worlds is the opportunity that presents itself to me on albums like ‘Emerge.’ I of course accept the invitation to indulge myself with open arms and ears. The separation of the instrumentation is out of the ordinary on the disc. You will hear each instrument individually and collectively, which is the key to a complete listening experience. I did however notice how the drums and percussion stand out more than normal in this particular mix down. I must be fair though; all the instruments get equal time and sound wonderful. The engineering was obviously paramount in helping to make this CD such an audio connoisseur’s delight. If you like jazz, rock, fusion, progressive rock, blues, or any combination thereof you will love this album. I could have easily listened to another disc full of this music; it is only a little over 40 minutes, which is not enough for my insatiable appetite. It is okay to go away hungry though, that way I will be ready to devour the next entrée served.” (Review of DW Project’s Emerge from Jazzreview.com) 

 

“The latest instrumental Contemporary Jazz/Fusion CD from the DW Project, Emerge, [is] headed up by multi-instrumentalist Dan Walzer, who also runs the locally operated Essence of Now label. Walzer landed a perfect collaborator in producer/guitarist Ric Hordinski, who is best known for his work as a player with Over the Rhine and Monk in Cincinnati and as a top-notch producer of local and national albums. Walzer proved on his debut, 2001's Welcome to the Open Door, that he is more than proficient when it comes to creating ethereal mood music that draws on any number of sounds and styles for inspiration. Emerge pushes that vision to the next level thanks to superior compositions and, most significantly, Hordinski's spacious production and lingering, vaporous guitar mist. Also equally vital to Emerge's success is Walzer's dynamic drum work, which commandingly guides each track and provides the necessary grounding. Highlights include the tribal ‘Samba de Verdad’ the bluesy, fusionary ‘Blues for Munk’ and a restless translation of Miles Davis' ‘Nardis’. Emerge expertly tightropes the lines between Adult Contemporary and New Age music (it's begging to be used for NPR bumpers), but it's the Jazz anchor, World music garnishing and fluid arrangements that make it especially unique.” (Review of DW Project’s Emerge from Cincinnati’s Citybeat Magazine)

“Specializing in wildly visual instrumental music that captivates and challenges aural perception, DW Project is the vision of drummer/ percussionist, Dan Walzer and producer Ric Hordinski…with other guest musicians sitting in. ‘Invisible Me’ is a wonderfully melancholy, introspective piano ballad with carefully placed, very subtle hi-hat work and hand percussion added for punctuation. ‘Salsa Raga’, which, as the title suggests, fuses the ethereal essence of ambient music with arabesques motifs and Afro-Cuban beats. This guy should be getting in on some of Thomas Newman (Six Feet Under, American Beauty, Boston Public)’s action: scoring films and writing TV theme songs and making millions of dollars. I wish he’d post more of his stuff because he’s just amazing.”

(Review of DW Project’s Emerge from Starpolish.com)

“The DW Project is the brainchild of one Dan Walzer, who provides most of the instrumentation on this sprawling 17 track jazz epic. The music evolves from simple quiet atmospheres to be-bop, melding intricate rhythms and stirring melodies with ease. The ‘one-man-band’ approach works well with Walzer, as his passages seem to flow with unexpected precision and grace. At times, other musicians are employed, and their help only strengthens the impact of the song. This is most evident on Hybernation, where the addition of other players brings a group element into the music. Overall, this is a beautiful piece of work, and it's certainly a marvelous showcase of the talent of Walzer.” (Review of DW Project’s Welcome to the Open Door from Mish Mash Music)

“Like John Coltrane's genius album, A Love Supreme, the debut album from local modern Jazz troupe DW Project, Welcome to the Open Door, is the sonic equivalent of a spiritual journey. Told largely without words (save a few spoken-word passages), the journey is that of band leader Dan Walzer, a Lexington-born/Cincinnati-bred multi-instrumentalist with a highly personal story to tell.” (Review of DW Project’s Welcome to the Open Door from Cincinnati’s Citybeat Magazine)  

NATIONAL JINGLES (PLAYING AND RECORDING)

                Closson’s Furniture; 2004

                Kroger’s Supermarket; 2004

                Hasbro Toys; 2001

                U.S. Savings Bank; 2001

 

WRITING ACCOMPLISHMENTS

 

2002-2006: Collaborations with Producer Ric Hordinski Receive MTV Interest.

Co-wrote and collaborated with noted producer Ric Hordinski on original music compositions that were enthusiastically received by MTV music supervisors for potential placement in reality television shows The Real World and Trippin’. 

 

ADDITIONAL FREELANCE PERFORMANCE EXPERIENCE

                Recorded, performed with and/or shared the stage with artists including Dave Webb (Sugarland), Adam Nitti, Frank Vignola, Pharez Whited, Brad Goode, Jeff Halsey, Chris Buzzelli, Ray Parker, Gene Parker, Manhattan Transfer, Daryl Steurmer, Ric Hordinski, Rob Fetters, The Clermont Philharmonic, Greg Howard, The Guess Who, The Cincinnati Symphony and Pops Orchestras (with CSYO under conductors Jesus Lopez Cobos, Keith Lockhart, Elizabeth Stoyanovich and Kimo Furomoto), Indiana Singing Hoosiers, Bowling Green Symphony Orchestra, Findlay Summerstock Theatre, and numerous pit orchestras.   

 

 

ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE EXPERIENCE

 

Percussion Ensemble, Institute of Investigative Music; Salvador Brazil;

Studied and performed Brazilian popular music and Afro-Brazilian rhythms in a variety of percussion ensemble workshop settings. 2005.

 

Jazz Ensemble, CCM; Drums with guest artists including Curtis Fuller, Joshua Redman,                                and Fred Hersch; 2003-2004

 

Jazz Combo, CCM; Drums; 2003-2005

 

INVITED PERFORMANCES

 

Midpoint Music Festival, National Conference and Artist Showcase; Cincinnati, OH; Performing with DW Project; 2004

Midpoint Music Festival, National Conference and Artist Showcase; Cincinnati, OH; Performing with DW Project; 2002

Toledo Jazz Festival, Regional Showcase; Toledo, OH; Performing with BGSU Honors Jazz Combo; 2000

 

AWARDS AND HONORS

                       

                Graduate Assistant, CCM; 2004-2005

                Nomination for Best Jazz Act (DW Project), Citybeat Magazine; 2001-2002

                Music Scholarship, CCM; 2003-2005

Music Talent Scholarship, BGSU; 1995-2000

Dean’s List, BGSU; 1995-2001

Music Honors Award, BGSU; 2000

Michael Cox Scholarship, BGSU; 1995

 

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

 

                Percussive Arts Society

ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Arrangers and Performers)

AES (Audio Engineering Society)

BEA (Broadcasting Educators Association)

 

DRUM SET INSTRUCTORS

 

                Marc Wolfley, Adjunct Professor of Jazz Percussion, CCM; 2003-2005

John Von Ohlen, Adjunct Professor of Jazz Percussion, CCM; 2003-2004

Dr. Roger B. Schupp, Associate Professor of Percussion, BGSU; 1995-2000

Gerald Cleaver, Associate Professor of Jazz Percussion, University of Michigan; 1997

PERCUSSION INSTRUCTORS

 

           

                Dann Sherrill, Brazilian Percussion Expert, Nashville, 2008

                Christiano Rocha, Brazilian Percussionist, Sao Paulo, Brazil, 2008

Russell Burge, Associate Professor of Percussion, CCM; 2002-2005

                Dr. Roger B. Schupp, Associate Professor of Percussion, BGSU; 1995-2000

                Eric Sooy, Adjunct Professor of Percussion, BGSU; 1995-1996

                Scott Lang, Percussion Instructor; CCM Prep Department; 1990-1995

 

REFERENCES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST