David Friedman

David Friedman is an acclaimed American vibraphonist, composer and educator, recognized for his contributions to jazz and contemporary music. Born in 1944 in New York City, Friedman began his musical journey as a classical percussionist at The Juilliard School. Early in his career, he had the opportunity to perform with such legendary figures as Leonard Bernstein, Luciano Berio, Wayne Shorter and Bobby McFerrin, showcasing his versatility across different musical styles.

In the 1970s, Friedman became internationally known for his work as a vibraphonist, collaborating with jazz icons like Chet Baker and Horace Silver. He formed the groundbreaking duo “Double Image” with fellow vibraphonist Dave Samuels, pushing the boundaries of vibraphone performance and composition.

As an educator, Friedman has had a profound impact on generations of musicians. He was a founding faculty member and director of the Jazz Institute Berlin, where he has taught since 2002. In addition, he has led innovative workshops and masterclasses on improvisation and composition worldwide.

David Friedman’s compositions encompass a wide range of genres, from jazz to orchestral music, reflecting his deep understanding of rhythm and harmony. He has appeared on numerous albums as both a leader and collaborator. Currently, he is working on a book about creativity, drawing from his extensive experience as a genre-defying artist.