Biography
Grammy and Latin Grammy award winner David Fernandez began his career as a jazz musician in Miami,Fl. He first studied jazz at Miami Senior High School under the direction of Dr. Brian Leavell. He earned an invitation to New York to perform with the McDonald’s All-American High School Band his senior year. He also won an honorable mention from Downbeat Magazine for best high school performer, and won first place for Best Original Composition. He received a 2023 Grammy for his work on the “Best Reggae Album”, The Kalling by Kabaka Pyramid. His Latin Grammy Award was for his performance on “Made in Miami”, by Richard Bravo and Camilo Valencia.
Upon graduation, he enrolled at the University of Miami and earned his Bachelor’s Degree. Shortly after, he continued his studies at Florida International
University under the direction of Gary Campbell and completed his Master’s Degree. David began his career touring with latin pop-star Chayanne. Along the way, he has toured with such artists as Jon Secada, Gloria Estefan, Darryl Tookes, and K.C. and the Sunshine Band. He has shared the stage with Joe Henderson, Paquito D’ Rivera, Randy Brecker, Kenny Werner, Gerry Mulligan, Bob Minzer, Arturo Sandoval, WillyChirino, Nestor Torres, Rafael, The O.J.’s, The Funk Brothers, Peabo Bryson, Nate Smith, Ignacio Berroa, Patti Austin, Queen Latifa, The Tramps, and Jim Belushi.
He currently has 13 projects released as a leader, Symmetry, TransitionProject, Land, David Fernandez*, Consortium, One Man Banned, Sketches of Pain,Under the Influence, Mygration, The Big Bandemic, At the Palace, and Blue of Sky. He won “The Heart of Art” commission for “Land” from The Arsht Performing Arts Center.
Apart from performing, David Fernandez was also a Professor of Saxophones at MDC Wolfson and an adjunct professor at MDC-Kendall, MDC West, Barry University, and FIU. He was also Jazz Discipline Coordinator for Young Arts in
2011-2012. He was on the musical, On Your Feet, in New York City from 2015-2018. He now serves as Academic Coordinator in Support of Student Services at The Wertheim FIU School of Music. He is a proud Jean Paul USA artist.
