David NAjera GonzAlez
David Nájera González is a Mexican drummer, composer and educator currently based in NYC. Since his childhood, a strong gravitation towards music has acted as a driving life force.
At the age of 19 he moved to NYC and attended the New School for Jazz And Contemporary Music, graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 2021.
In 2021 he formed Patos, an octet ensemble for which he composed and arranged music up to 2022. He recorded five arranged compositions at Dimension 70 studios that were released on streaming platforms on February 9th, 2024.
After working for a year as a bandleader, sideman and educator, he decided to pursue a Master's degree at Queens College. There he was mentored by Dennis Mackrel, Antonio Hart, David Berkman, and Michael Mossman. He graduated in 2024.
He has performed with musicians Matt Lavon, Julia Chen, Will Slater, Cat Evers, John Gray, Sarah Anjali, Sebastían de Urquiza, Hina Oikawa, Nate Liebert, and Javier Madrazo.
Teaching
Apart from performing, David finds joy in helping people explore music. Teaching has become a way to give back to the community. He is grateful to have worked with the following organizations in NYC:
New York Enrichment Group
After-school drum circle classes for third and fourth graders at PS 099 and PS 247
Rhythm and Movement classes at Raices Astoria Older Adults Center
Kupferberg Center For The Arts
Worked assisting Tyreek Mcdole, Steven Salcedo and Kofi Hunter as part of the Mosaic Artist Residency at PS 020