David C. Wade

Biography

A lifelong musician, Mr. Wade began piano studies at age three and bounced around to other instruments until he picked up the classical guitar in the 6th grade. He hasn’t put it down since. Even though his lessons were always classical, he was immersed in the sounds of the Deep South where he was raised and always had a blues, gospel, country or rock tune brewing in the background. He loves to bring his varied background and experiences into lessons and encourages his students to look past what is considered the status quo of repertoire. On top of managing a successful online teaching studio, Mr. Wade is a sought-after performer and recording artist. He regularly plays with top-tier talent and Grammy, Tony, and Oscar winners like Yo-Yo Ma, Leslie Odom Jr., Keb’ Mo, Cindy Blackman Santana, Lou Gosset Jr., Melinda Doolittle, Roomful of Teeth, Tessa Lark, Dom Flemons, Barry Manilow, and others. He’s also played over 4,000 live gigs with Boston’s Arch Street Band. Mr. Wade has been featured on every major US television network as well as Good Morning America, NPR, C-SPAN, TEDxBoston, From the Top, WGBH, and has played live in 168 countries via the Armed Forces Network. As a recording artist, Mr. Wade has worked for clients ranging from nonprofits to Fortune 500 companies. Recent projects include SAP, Cadillac, Hal Leonard, Boston Children’s Chorus, Hewlett-Packard, London Symphony, Country Financial, and New York Children’s Chorus. One of his proudest moments was playing for President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama with the Boston Children’s Chorus as part of the live nationally broadcast Boston Marathon bombing memorial service. It was an incredibly somber and serious moment — but was a poignant reminder that music can lift and heal in our darkest moments. 

Out of all his achievements, though, being a dad and husband by far brings him the most joy. While you were reading this bio, he was most likely picking up Legos or watching “Frozen” for the thousandth time.