David Hirst--Horns (and founder of Jazzopoly)

A versatile musician with over 15 years of professional experience, David primarily plays trumpet, flugelhorn and cornet but also plays guitar, piano, trombone and the odd bit of didjeridoo when the mood or occasion arises.  

David received his Bachelor of Education in Music from the University of Melbourne in 1994.    He then moved to London where he spent a year playing, teaching and studying the trumpet. 

In the decade or so since returning to Melbourne, Dave has taught hundreds of instrumental students while also maintaining a busy performance schedule.   His various jazz ensembles, which work under the Jazzopoly brand, include the ever-popular Trio de Jazz as well as various larger configurations that include some of Melbourne's top jazz musicians.  He is also a founding member of the jazz and dance band It's Everywhere!, a member of the hard swingin' Esstee Big Band and a regular player for musical theatre productions across Melbourne.

David has travelled several times to New York and studied with some of the Big Apple's most influential jazz musicians and teachers, including Jerome Callet, Laurie Frink and Warren Vache.  He's also spent time in Cuba and Mexico in order to add a bit of latin spice to his sophisticated swing.

In addition to his performance duties, David currently teaches instrumental music at Camberwell High School in Melbourne's inner east.  He has also been a regional music coordinator for the Department of Education.    Somewhere in amongst his teaching and performing he enjoys travel, AFL football (a keen Richmond supporter), skiing and relaxing at the beach with his wife Samantha.