About Dave

Dave Robbins is one of Canada’s premier jazz drummers and a first-rate composer, arranger and jazz educator. Though well known as a sideman for his exciting big band work and sensitive trio playing, Robbins also leads his own bands.

Dave grew up in Victoria and was educated at McGill University in Montreal where he received his Masters in Jazz Studies. While in Montreal he toured and recorded in bands with Vic Vogel, Joe Sullivan, Altsys, and the Streetnix among others. In 1996 he could no longer resist the pull of the west coast, and is thrilled to have moved back. He is kept very busy playing with Bill Coon, Dee Daniels, Hugh Fraser, Oliver Gannon, John Korsrud, and Jennifer Scott, to name a few.

Dave has played music all over the world, in countries such as Australia, Brazil, Cuba, Finland, France, and Ireland. Musicians he has performed with include: Gary Bartz, Maynard Ferguson, Slide Hampton, Buddy Montgomery, Bob Minzer, PJ Perry, and Don Thompson.

Dave is also very involved as an educator. After teaching at McGill’s Conservatory of Music while in Montreal, he is now on the music faculty at Capilano University where he instructs arranging, drums, piano, and large ensembles. As well as institutional educating, Dave does clinics and private instructing.