So, it's my first blog and I've been thinking about what to write. I'll just start by telling you a bit about myself. I came to NYC 12 years ago to study a Master's in Jazz Performance without having much knowledge about jazz music. I had studied Latin and Classical Percussion in my undergrad. I was well versed in conga, timbal, bongo and marimba and able to improvise a bit through simple chord changes. My experience at the school was difficult, to say the least. I was playing opposite to musicians who were used to playing jazz for breakfast, lunch and dinner since childhood. The first day of class I found out I had to do one or two arrangements per week, plus all the other assignments and music to learn from other courses. That totally freaked me out. I didn’t think I could pull it off but I started doing the work and two years later I completed the Master's degree. I learned a ton about improvisation, composition, arranging, harmony, and improved my musicianship overall. I stayed in New York City to look for work and it took me a while to get my act together here, financially and emotionally. And I can say I’m still working at it. It takes time to get used to this city, especially when you’re not from around here. I did my social mingling thing; meeting musicians here and there in order to get my foot in the door. I am an introvert by nature, so that was not easy. I had to overcome my fear of meeting new people and get my face out there. Some doors were shut in my face but many doors have opened. NYC has been for me a constant challenge filled with adrenaline-packed days, triumphs, disappointments, disappointments (not a typo), and triumphs (once again!). I've met so many wonderful people in this city. So many beautiful people. I'm so grateful. To be continued… David Freyre is a singer-songwriter/percussionist residing in NYC. He would like you to be a part of his first ALBUM project. For more information please visit his album page.

Arriving in New York City