David Duarte
Music Educator - Adjudicator - Clinician - Podcast Host
Music Educator - Adjudicator - Clinician - Podcast Host
As a seasoned music educator with over 30 years of experience, my instructional approach is grounded in continuous improvement strategies that center student voice, achievement, and ownership. I am committed to fostering an environment where active participation, collaboration, and leadership are integral to the learning process. By upholding high artistic and academic standards while nurturing a strong sense of community, I strive to inspire students not only to excel in their musical abilities but also to develop a deeper, more meaningful understanding of music as a vehicle for personal growth and collective success.
PODCAST
Culture Before Content
This podcast explores the methods, challenges, and rewards of building a strong classroom culture. Featuring music educators from diverse backgrounds, each episode shares real strategies for fostering intrinsic motivation, collaboration, and student growth within ensembles. Streamed LIVE on YouTube and Facebook during the school year—every Sunday at 7:00 PM ET / 4:00 PM PT—it’s your go-to source for insight, inspiration, and connection with today’s music education leaders.
EXPERIENCE
Nashville School of the Arts
(2019-2021)
Nashville, TN
Director of Instrumental Ensembles
Deer Valley Unified School District
(2000-2020, 2022-Present)
Phoenix, AZ
Fine Arts/PE-Health Curriculum Specialist. (2008-2019)
Deer Valley Online Music Teacher. (2009-2020, 2022-present)
Emergency Director of Bands. Sandra Day O'Connor High School. (2018-2019)
Director of Bands. Deer Valley High School. (2000-2008)
Director of Choirs. Deer Valley High School. (2001-2002)
Marcos de Niza High School
(1999-2000)
Tempe, AZ
Auditorium Manager
Arcadia High School
(1995-1999)
Phoenix, AZ
Thunderbird High School
(1993-1995)
Phoenix, AZ
EDUCATION
University of New Mexico
(2020-2021)
Albuquerque, NM
Master of Music. Music Education
Phi Kappa Phi
4.26 GPA
Master Project: Finding Structure for Growth: A Reflective Framework for the Student Teaching Experience
Arizona State University
(1997-1999)
Tempe, AZ
Master of Music. Saxophone Performance
3.9 GPA
Completed 21 credits
University of Arizona
(1985-1992)
Tucson, AZ
Bachelor of Music. Music Education
3.2 GPA
AWARDS
2020 Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic (IL) Performing Organization. Saxophone Quartet
2010 Outstanding Administrator Award. Arizona Music Educators Association
2007 Western International Band Clinic (WA) Performing Organization - DVHS Performance Jazz
2007 Deer Valley Unified School District, Teacher of the Year
2006 Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic (IL) Performing Organization. DVHS Performance Jazz
2005 O.M. Hartsell Excellence in Teaching Music Award, Arizona Music Educators Association
1995 International Association of Jazz Educators (CA) Performing Organization. Thunderbird Jazz Ensemble
ORGANIZATIONS