Welcome to String Thing Music!

Since you are reading this, it is safe to say that you are considering learning to play an instrument and studying music with me. Let me tell you a little about myself.

In the summer of 1965, my father did some work for the bandleader of the Barnum and Bailey Circus in Santa Rosa, California. For his work, he took an upright bass in-trade. Little did we know at the time that would be a defining moment in my life. I fell in love with the instrument and immediately started lessons with my first music teacher, Mr. Walter Wade. I played the string bass in school bands all through junior high and high school. While in high school, I started playing the electric bass guitar.

In 1975 I began playing professionally, traveling through much of the West. I worked with several bands performing a variety of music from bluegrass and folk, to country, rock, reggae, jazz and gospel music. In 1990 I enrolled at Idaho State University majoring in music education. I studied music theory with Dr. George and had the privilege of studying string bass with David Yavornitzky, the principle bassist for the Utah Symphony. While at ISU, I earned scholarships playing with the Jazz Band, Symphonic Band, Chamber Orchestra, and the Idaho State Civic Orchestra. Though I had been involved with teaching bass, guitar, and a little mandolin and banjo prior to entering college, it was at this time I started taking a more serious approach to teaching stringed instruments. With help from the music faculty of ISU, I developed a student base from the local junior high and high schools.

In 1994 I had to leave my musical interests to help my family during some difficult times due to the passing of our mother and father.

In April of 2000 I moved to Moultonborough, New Hampshire. It didn’t take long to see that I could once again pursue my passion for music and teaching on a full time basis. During my first winter in New Hampshire it became evident that there was a need for string instrument instructors, especially at the beginner level. Thus “String Thing Music” was born.

Happily, I started performing again on a regular basis. Presently I play string bass and banjo for the Moose Mountain Jazz Band, a seven-piece Dixieland Jazz band, string bass and electric bass guitar for Quarter Moon, a three-piece jazz band, and guitar, for the “Tim n Dave Show”. I also play cello with either a piano or violin for weddings, garden parties, etc.

Along with teaching and performing, I am a co-founder and former faculty member for the New Hampshire Independent School of Music, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting music education in the Lakes Region.

Thank you for considering me as your music instructor.

Sincerely, David Young