David Snyder
David Snyder
I have been a professional musician for over 40 years as a pianist, vocalist, composer, arranger, and orchestrator. I’ve conducted my own music on Hollywood scoring stages and have appeared numerous times with the New York Pops at Carnegie Hall.
Along the way, I became fascinated with the recording process and music technology, starting with the first record album I made with my jazz trio at the age of 17. Since then, in addition to producing my own albums, I have worked in the studio with artists such as The Manhattan Transfer and Christine Ebersole. After building a private studio in Los Angeles at the height of the ’90s digital revolution, I continued to produce, arrange, and conduct albums for independent artists. In the process, I learned audio production and engineering from some of the most talented tracking, mixing, and mastering professionals in the business.
I love advising and helping others who want to realize their musical goals, and that began when I started producing indie artists. Sweetwater has been a great partner to me throughout my career; I was a devoted customer long before I interviewed to join this extraordinary team.
As your personal contact here at Sweetwater, please let me know anytime I can offer help or advice.
(800) 222-4700 ext 1680
E-mail David-
Education/Certifications:
I received my bachelor of arts in music from Occidental College in Los Angeles and then went on to study film scoring at the Grove School of Music, where I learned from Hollywood legends such as Henry Mancini, Irwin Kostal, Allyn Ferguson, Joe Harnell, Buddy Baker, and Ralph Ferraro. Composer John Williams also provided early encouragement.
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What was your occupation before coming to Sweetwater?
I was working freelance in the New York area and on tour with various shows and artists. I played keyboards for the 25th National Tour of Les Miserables, wrote the score for the musical MR. CONFIDENTIAL, and performed with/conducted a number of regional symphony orchestras.
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Technical strengths:
Keyboards, composing and arranging, sequencing and DAWs, recording consoles, outboard gear (compressors, preamps, reverbs) . . . and I’m definitely a microphone geek. I love vintage models as well as the newer models from companies like Lauten Audio and Mojave.
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Family info:
I’m married with two adult sons. One is in IT, and the other is an amazing bass player who also works in financial services.
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What in your background prepared you most to help your customers with their audio needs?
Probably my 25 years producing albums and studio projects for independent clients. I have a real understanding of budget constraints and the need to get the most professional sound while keeping the investment under control. Giving people great “bang for the buck” is one of my biggest strengths.
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What is the most important thing you've learned at Sweetwater?
That our word is the most important thing we have. To expect a lot of myself and always strive to bring my A-game. To act with integrity. I have always known these values are important, but I have never been in a work environment where they were so consistently demonstrated.
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What's the biggest gig you've ever played?
Playing piano with the New York Pops at Carnegie Hall. To make it even sweeter, a number of the pieces we played were my own orchestrations. I’m lucky enough to have performed with and written for them on a number of occasions.
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Who are some of the notable artists you've worked with?
Barry Manilow, Christine Ebersole, Marvin Hamlisch, Rod Stewart (he sang songs from “My Fair Lady” with me at the piano!), Debbie Reynolds, John Raitt, Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme, Alan Paul and The Manhattan Transfer, Sylvia McNair, Steven Reineke, Maestro Leonard Slatkin, Alan Menken, Jason Alexander, Nell Carter, Sarah Michelle Gellar, and Francis Ford Coppola.
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Links to my music
www.soniclandscapes.com
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What was the coolest gig you ever had?
Playing piano at a private party for Don Rickles, and meeting Frank Sinatra, Bob Newhart, Kirk Douglas, and several other legends. I remember I was playing Rodgers & Hart’s “The Most Beautiful Girl in the World” when Sinatra came up and spoke to me. It was a pretty incredible moment.
Interview with David...
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David Snyder is always super personable, friendly and knowledgeable! I have been getting my music gear from Sweetwater for many years now and having a rapport with a sales engineer is something that is few and far between these days with most companies. I am always happy with the quality of the equipment and how fast it's shipped to me. The prices are always reasonable and I love the free shipping! It's also super beneficial to have the Sweetwater credit card!
Jessica from Litchfield, NH
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David was an awesome representative of your company. Upon completing my online purchase, he gave me a call and went over everything with me. He made me aware of Sweetwater's tech support, which is a huge plus your company has compared to others I have dealt with. David was extremely friendly and assured me that if I ever needed anything that he would be there to help me along the way. It is nice knowing that there is someone on the other end that is looking out for you, especially when one is making purchases online. I plan on using Sweetwater for any future purchases that I make for music gear in the future!
Ron from Branchburg, NJ
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Excellent customer service, excellent product, excellent staff! I love that I can always reach a live person with questions. I always get individual treatment.
Kathy from Wilmington, NC
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Absolutely amazed by the personal service on our order! It is obvious customer satisfaction is a priority. Your company would be the first place we would look for music related items. Great prices, great service and BTW, even the little touch of adding some candy made my kids very pleased! Thank you!
David from Renton, WA
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I have to say it's the most personal order I've ever made from the pre-ship phone call, to the email, and finally the candy in the box. Thanks! I don't think I could beat the customer service even in a local shop
Chrystal from McMinnville, TN
