Dave Goff has been behind a drum kit for most of his life.  He joined his first band at age 12, and in 1983 received a full-ride drum scholarship to Grand Canyon University.  That began more than 40 years of professional playing and a musical career that's taken him just about everywhere from jazz festivals and recording studios to arenas, corporate events, and some pretty memorable opening slots.

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From 1985–1988, Dave performed regularly at a large Phoenix church with a congregation of roughly 10,000 people.  Later, with the band Felt Neighbor, he became part of the Northwest regional music scene, playing in Boise, Seattle, Sun Valley, Pocatello and beyond.  Felt Neighbor also recorded the CD "Fish Room."

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One of the more unforgettable nights came when Dave's band opened for Eddie Money on June 17, 1994—the night of the O.J. Simpson white Bronco chase.  He has also opened for Michael Franti multiple times while playing with Steve Fulton Music.

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Other highlights include advancing to the final stage of the 1990 GMC Country Showdown in Oakland—one step away from going to Nashville; performing at the Special Olympics at the University of Montana arena in Missoula, the Boise Music Festival, and the Boise River Festival; and performing with the High Street Band at multiple jazz festivals and events in Medford, Sun Valley, and Sequoia.

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Dave's studio experience includes recording with Felt Neighbor and Steve Fulton Music, along with working as a hired session drummer at the Audio Lab in Garden City, recording for a variety of local artists.  Over the past 15 years, much of his live work has been corporate gigs and private events.

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Stylistically, Dave has spent his career moving between rock, ska, punk, alternative, country, jazz, and dance music.  That versatility taught him one of the most important lessons of being a working drummer: the gig isn't about showing everyone what you can play—it's about understanding the music, listening to the musicians around you, and playing what the song needs.

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Beyond the stage, Dave brings a strong sense of teamwork, community, and collaboration.  A lifelong participant in sports and a former baseball coach, he understands the value of working together, supporting the people around you, and building a team culture where everyone has a role to play.

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Those same principles shape Dave's approach to the music community.  After all the gigs, recordings, and years behind the kit, Dave says the thing he's most proud of isn't a particular stage or performance—it's the relationships he's built through music.  He believes drummers grow not only through individual practice and experience, but also through the relationships they build with other musicians.

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Dave has also spent time helping younger drummers find their own voice and their reason for being a drummer.  His approach isn't about creating drummers who all sound alike. It's about developing confidence, musicality, individuality, and understanding why you want to play in the first place.

 

Dave is passionate about creating an environment where players can share knowledge, learn from one another, and leave each experience more connected and motivated than when they arrived.  Dave believes musicians are some of the most unique people on the planet.  When they share that passion with each other and an audience, something happens.  You never know what someone listening is going through or what they need at that moment. Sometimes music gives them a chance to be transported somewhere else—mentally, emotionally and even spiritually.

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As host of The Professional-Minded Drummer, Dave brings that perspective to the intensive—helping create an environment where serious drummers can learn, connect, challenge themselves, and become better musicians and professionals.

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That's ultimately what playing drums is about for Dave: "Find your voice, know why you play, and make the music better."