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Jazz Saxophonist • Composer • Educator
David Sharfstein is a passionate saxophonist, composer, and educator based in Jacksonville, Florida. He holds a Bachelor of Jazz Studies from the University of North Florida and a Master’s in Instrumental Performance in Jazz Saxophone from New York University. Drawing on this extensive training, David crafts music that is both emotionally honest and sonically adventurous.
His debut album, New Beginnings, captures the spirit of transformation, reviving long-shelved ideas and shaping them into dynamic, forward-leaning compositions. Blending elements of bebop, Latin, and free jazz, the album showcases a voice that’s both grounded in tradition and constantly evolving. Listeners may hear shades of Sonny Rollins’ melodic inventiveness or Joe Henderson’s harmonic depth, but David’s phrasing and tone are unmistakably his own.
He has studied saxophone with world-renowned artists including Todd DelGiudice, Rich Perry, Billy Drewes, Dave Liebman, and Chris Potter, and refined his compositional voice under the guidance of Alan Broadbent and Manuel Valera.
In addition to performing and composing, David is a dedicated educator with a track record of inspiring students across a wide range of ages and abilities. He sees music not just as performance, but as a way to foster connection, curiosity, and self-expression.
Whether on stage, in the classroom, or in the studio, David brings a thoughtful, personal approach to every note.
Uptown — The first track from my upcoming album New Beginnings
Live performance highlights featuring cocktail hour repertoire, jazz improvisation, and wedding performances.
Personalized music lessons are available for students of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to advanced musicians. Lessons are tailored to each student’s goals, whether they are learning fundamentals, preparing for school band, developing improvisation skills, or exploring new styles of music.
Instruments offered: Saxophone, piano, flute, clarinet, guitar, bass, drums, and ukulele.
Lesson options: In-person lessons in Jacksonville and online instruction available.
David holds jazz degrees from the University of North Florida and New York University and has over 10 years of teaching experience. While at NYU, he served as a graduate teaching instructor teaching undergraduate students in jazz and popular piano, and has studied with renowned musicians including Chris Potter, Dave Liebman, Rich Perry, Billy Drewes, and Todd DelGiudice.
Interested in lessons? Please contact me for pricing, scheduling, and additional information.
“David is a very diligent instructor. He really wants the best for you and knows how to cater that to what you’re looking for in the lesson, as well. He is very knowledgeable about the inner workings of music but is still very patient for those of us who are still trying to learn the basics. I would recommend David as a teacher to anyone!” - Kylie W., Student
“David was an absolutely amazing teacher. He taught me how to use different chord progressions and different motifs to improvise with on the Alto Sax. 100% would recommend.” - Gavin S., Student
For lesson inquiries, performance bookings, or additional information, please reach out via email.