Welcome to David Cohen’s Official Website – Award-Winning Classical and Flamenco Guitarist
David Cohen is a classical and flamenco guitarist in New Jersey with over 40 years of experience as a performer, recording artist, and educator. Throughout his career, he has developed mastery of classical guitar, flamenco guitar, Chinese pipa, and Galician and Highland bagpipes. As a result, his musical work spans cultures, traditions, and continents. By blending disciplined technique with emotional storytelling, David creates performances that feel both powerful and deeply human.
Moreover, David’s unique combination of traditional and contemporary approaches has earned international recognition. In particular, the Jersey Acoustic Musicians Awards honored him as Best Instrumentalist in 2012. Whether he performs solo, collaborates across genres, or teaches students one-on-one, David Cohen consistently brings authenticity, depth, and intention to every musical experience.
Original Music & Performances
David Cohen’s original compositions appear on two studio recordings that document the evolution of his musical voice.
First, David Cohen: Guitar (2012) earned the Best Instrumentalist award and showcases original works rooted in classical guitar traditions. At the same time, the album introduces modern rhythms and innovative phrasing that reflect David’s contemporary perspective.
Later, Chaos Theory (2017) marked a more expansive and exploratory period in his career. Notably, this release coincided with the start of his UK tour. During that time, David performed at St. Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh and the legendary Troubadour in London, thereby reinforcing his international presence as a classical and flamenco guitarist.
In addition to his work abroad, David has performed extensively throughout the United States. For example, his appearances include New York, Philadelphia, Washington DC, and Atlanta, along with numerous civic, cultural, and private events nationwide.
A Life Dedicated to Musical Expression
For David Cohen, music functions as both discipline and dialogue. On one hand, his approach to classical guitar emphasizes tone, structure, and clarity. On the other hand, his flamenco guitar playing highlights rhythm, intensity, and emotional immediacy. Together, these traditions form the foundation of his musical identity.
Consequently, David’s performances feel immersive and adaptable. He moves comfortably between restraint and intensity while responding to each setting. Whether he plays in concert halls, salons, outdoor festivals, or ceremonial spaces, his goal remains consistent: to create a meaningful connection between sound, space, and listener.
Instrumentalist with a Powerful and Delicate Touch
Listeners often describe David Cohen’s music as possessing a “soothing menace,” a quality that mirrors the tension and release found in nature. In particular, his performances balance strength and subtlety across guitar and bagpipes alike.
Music critic John Kane (2010) writes:
“With the presence of an ominous thunderstorm clawing through the clouds comes the invisible beauty of his music. Powerful, delicate, and defining are just a few words that describe Cohen’s tremendous ability to capture moments…”
As a result, David consistently shapes performances that leave a lasting emotional impression.
Chinese Pipa and Cross-Cultural Musical Exploration
In addition to his work as a classical and flamenco guitarist, David Cohen actively studies and performs the Chinese pipa, a traditional four-stringed lute with more than two thousand years of history. Through this work, he demonstrates a deep commitment to musical traditions beyond the Western canon.
Rather than treating the pipa as a novelty, David approaches it with discipline and respect for its cultural origins. Over years of focused study, he has embraced its expressive techniques, percussive articulation, and storytelling capabilities. Consequently, he now incorporates the Chinese pipa into solo performances, cross-cultural programs, and educational settings.
Ultimately, this exploration further distinguishes David Cohen as a multi-instrumentalist. By bridging classical guitar, flamenco guitar, Eastern traditions, and ceremonial music, he offers audiences a truly global musical experience.
Bagpipes, Tradition, and Ceremonial Performance
David Cohen also performs as an accomplished bagpiper on both Galician gaita and Highland bagpipes. Over the years, he has brought bagpipe music to parades, government ceremonies, nonprofit events, weddings, and major public gatherings across the United States.
Importantly, David approaches bagpipes with the same respect he applies to guitar and pipa. He grounds each performance in tradition while shaping it through discipline and emotional awareness. As a result, whether he leads a procession or supports a civic event, his music remains both authentic and meaningful.
Guitar Lessons for All Levels
Beyond performing, David Cohen provides guitar lessons for students of all ages and experience levels. He builds each lesson on a strong classical guitar foundation, emphasizing proper technique, posture, tone production, and musical understanding.
Additionally, students interested in flamenco guitar receive structured instruction in rhythm, phrasing, and stylistic interpretation. Whether a student begins from scratch or refines advanced technique, David tailors each lesson to individual goals and learning styles. Consequently, his teaching environment remains disciplined, supportive, and encouraging.
Book David for Performances & Lessons
David Cohen is available for live performances, guitar lessons, weddings, special events, and ceremonies. Whether you seek a classical or flamenco guitarist, a skilled bagpiper, or a unique multi-instrumental program combining guitar, pipa, and bagpipes, David delivers professionalism, artistry, and depth.
David Cohen’s Studio Recordings
Discover the distinctive sound of David Cohen’s original guitar compositions, which blend classical guitar, flamenco rhythms, and experimental melodies. With over four decades of experience, David invites listeners into a world where tradition and innovation coexist, creating recordings that unfold as journeys of rhythm, texture, and expression.
Book David Cohen Today
Booking Information
Get in touch through The Bash for easy booking and pricing details.
Alternatively, call 307-203-9108 to speak with David directly.
Click below to book David:
TheBash.com
Explore David’s bagpipe work:
Bagpipes New Jersey & Pennsylvania
Photo courtesy of The Quad-City Times
Quad City Times: Have you heard the bagpipe music along the Davenport riverfront? •
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