In this series, we’re interviewing our instructors to get a sense for their methods, philosophy on teaching, and more. Read below to learn more about David Galica, one of our percussion instructors!
What first inspired you to start playing music, and how did you choose percussion as your type of instrument?
My parents enrolled me in piano pretty young, so no big inspiration to start- it was just always something I did without really having a reason.
As far as why percussion- it’s similarly mundane. I liked playing drums in the game Rock Band with my brothers, but it was just something fun to do.
But then, I think like most students who start playing for “no reason”, the reason slowly and steadily began to be present without me noticing. It wasn’t until later, when I had a teacher who deeply influenced me, that I even realized how much playing/performing/listening/creating music was inseparable from how I wanted to be.
Do you have a favorite performance memory or musical moment that stands out from your career so far?
If I had to choose one, it would be one of my first concerts at Kent State University. The semester I went up to study with the percussion instructor Ted Rounds, he passed away; I was invited to performed in his memorial concert on an arrangement of “Over the Rainbow” by Robert Oetomo.
Parts of the piece use cello bows on the vibraphone bars, so it was memorable musically, but what really made the performance stand out was the amount of people gathered together, sharing a deep love and appreciation of music, brought together by a person who helped instill that in them. It was an honor to be a part of his send-off.
What do you love most about teaching, and what’s one thing you hope every student takes away from their lessons with you?
Percussion is a uniquely physical family of instruments, so the connection between our mind and body becomes especially clear as we learn how to map our movements onto them.
One of the things I love most about teaching is facilitating that moment when things click, the moment that handshake happens between what our brain knows how to do, and what our body is trying to do. This happens frequently with drumming especially, because of the number of moving parts all vying for coordination, all trying to lock in; our right hand getting closer, then our left hand, our right foot, our left, then — “Aha!”
When all those moving parts sync, followed by that moment of epiphany, it’s an amazing feeling, and one that is very fun to share with my students.
The one thing I hope every student takes away from their lessons; you are an artist– not just a player! Once we get past the mechanics of how to play something, we start to focus on how we play it.
If we are content to just be players, then we will just… play. But if we are artists, we will appraise, critique, examine, refine, and reflect on the choices we make and what those choices communicate. Our technique gives us the ability to perform- our artistry is what gives it meaning.
If you could play or perform with any musician — past or present — who would it be, and why?
Either Steve Reich or Philip Glass. Many of their works feature repetitive passages where the same few patterns are played over and over and over again. That description does sound a little boring, until you hear what they spiral into.
Reich specifically has been a constant source of inspiration, and I am always surprised how many times I have found something new in the gradual, rippling cycles of his compositions.
When you’re not teaching or performing, how do you like to spend your time outside of music?
I like to read, and I’ve been getting into classic films recently as well. A few that really blew me away this year were Vampyr (1932), and Freaks (1932), but a lot of my favorite films are about music or art in some way… so it sort of all feeds back into itself — what is done for leisure goes into what is inspiring for writing, composing, etc.
Our invitation to you
If you’ve ever wondered what it might feel like to explore singing or instrument lessons — whether for yourself or your child — we invite you to come in and talk with us. We’ll help you:
🥁 Pick a musical path that you are excited about (voice, guitar, trumpet, violin, etc.).
💡 Connect with a teacher who doesn’t just teach technique — they inspire connection.
At Canal Fulton Music, we’re not only teaching music; we’re helping musicians find their voice.
Ready to explore? Learn more about lessons below.
