FM
Biography
Darling was born on March 3, 1941 in Elkhart, Indiana where he began piano lessons at the age of 5 and the study of classical cello at age 10. His passion for music developed throughout his school years. In high school, he was principal cellist in the orchestra, played tuba in the concert band, sang with the madrigal singers and acapella choir, and played baritone sax in the pep band. He also led his own jazz ensemble in which he played double bass and alto saxophone.
David Darling attended Indiana State University earning his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Music Education. During his college years he founded a jazz ensemble in which he played piano, saxophone and bass. He studied cello with internationally recognized artists/teachers: Lorne Monroe, Gilbert Reese, Fritaz Magg and Janos Starker, and pursued studies in music composition. He was a scholarship student with the Pierre Monteux conducting school and studied jazz performance at Berklee School of Music in Boston. Early awards include First Place in the Indianapolis Indiana Music Matinee' Solo Artist Competition, and a Scholarship to the American Federation of Musicians Strings Seminar. During these formative years he also pursued athletic interests in many sports with a concentration in competitive tennis winning numerous state High School and College competitions. Darling considers athletics and music to be kindred disciplines.
