17
Dec
2024
January 2025 Student Spotlight: Dave Eisele
Our first Student Spotlight for 2025 is a highly-accomplished surgeon and multi-instrumentalist with a strong work ethic and an infectious enthusiasm – Dave Eisele. Dave began his musical journey on the guitar 10 years ago, and has also taken up both drums and bass in the last year. In fact, Dave is so beloved, he was nominated by BOTH of his teachers at once – Paul and Jason.
Paul calls Dave one of his favorite students of all time. “I have been teaching Dave for a few years now and I must say, he is one of my most passionate and devoted students. A lot of adult students get bogged down by the relentless practicing and playing of music you need to do to become a competent musician, but not Dave.
Dave has continued to work hard on his musical endeavors and has shown immense improvement over the years. He first started with me on guitar and had pretty much zero experience. He can now play proficient rhythm guitar and learn songs on his own.
The past year he has been taking bass lessons with me which he thoroughly enjoys. We learn various classic rock and reggae songs and Dave is excited to try the adult band program in the future. On top of being a dedicated student, Dave is a super nice guy and very intelligent and thoughtful.”
And Jason appreciates how Dave “balances a strong ambition and hard work with a childlike curiosity and playful approach to learning” Jason points out how “despite having a demanding job, he practices consistently each week.” He describes how Dave “greets me with a big smile at the start of every lesson, and that same smile lights up with every new drum discovery. His positivity, ambition, and determination have fueled the remarkable progress he’s made in such a short time. With a growth mindset, Dave takes feedback and criticism in stride, always focused on improving. He absorbs information like a sponge and continually pushes himself, asking insightful questions along the way.”
Read on to learn more about this successful physician and musician in his own words…
What is your instrument and how long have you been playing?
My primary interest has been electric guitar. I started late in life and I have been playing for about ten years. This past year I began drum and bass lessons at to help with my rhythm.
What kind of music do you like to listen to and play?
My primary music interests are classic rock, blues, southern rock, reggae, and alternative rock so I like to learn to play songs in those genres of music.
What’s your favorite thing about Stages or do you have a favorite Stages memory?
My favorite thing about Stages is the friendly and supportive atmosphere there. The staff are very considerate and always willing to help. My favorite Stages memory was a road trip to the Paul Reed Smith factory and the tour there. It was great to see the care and attention to detail that goes into making their great guitars.
What are your musical goals?
My goals are to learn and understand music theory thoroughly and someday play in a band. I plan to sign up for a Stages band when my work schedule allows for participation.
On top of being a dedicated student, Dave is a super nice guy and very intelligent and thoughtful. He is no doubt one of my favorite students of all time!
What are your hobbies or interests besides music?
I like to travel and visit places that are new to me. Fortunately, my work has allowed me to travel all over the world. In addition, I like history and reading both non-fiction and fiction. I am a big fan of the Orioles and Ravens and like to go to their games when I can. I have fished and sailed since I was kid. Hopefully I will get sailboat someday after I retire.
What inspired you to start playing music?
I have always enjoyed listening music and going to see live music events. My grandmother played the piano very well. When I was a kid, I took piano lessons. I also played the trumpet but then got busy with other activities and gave it up. It is true that you are never too old to start playing. I had a patient who began playing the piano in his 80’s. He loved it and became quite proficient. He lived to 99 ½.
If you could collaborate with any musician, who would it be and why?
There are many famous musicians that come to mind but my top choice would be Mike Campbell. He is an amazing guitarist and performer and unfortunately quite underrated. His work in the Heartbreakers and Mudcrutch with Tom Petty demonstrated his ability to co-write great songs as well as his versatility as a musician.
Who are the musicians that inspire you most?
Of those still living I would say Keith Richards, Sting, John Mayer, and Jack Johnson. They all seem to be very happy in their lives and their enthusiasm is infectious.
Who is your teacher and what do you appreciate about them?
I am fortunate to have two, Paul Tokarz for guitar and bass, and Jason Cohen for drums. What I appreciate about them is that they are both extremely knowledgeable about music and are excellent educators. They are always patient and encouraging, and they help me to learn the music that I enjoy to play.
What do you love most about playing music?
It makes me happy and I feel a sense of real accomplishment when I can learn a new piece and keep in time. It also allows me to express my emotions in a special way and escape some of the stressors in my life.
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Do you know a student who deserves to be recognized? Nominate them for our Stages Student Spotlight!