Most music teachers can count their students in the dozens, maybe hundreds over a career. But Southern California piano instructor David Mount has hit a remarkable benchmark: 30,000 individual lessons taught, alongside more than 2,000 live performances as an accompanist for choral programs throughout the region.
David operates under his teaching and performance brand, Tuned Musician, offering instruction to students of all ages and skill levels. The dual focus on education and professional performance creates an unusual depth of experience that flows directly into the lesson room.
From Dodger Stadium to the Studio
The journey began early. At 17, David won a contest that landed him behind the organ at Dodger Stadium for a game in June 1990. That early taste of performing for large audiences set the stage for a career built on both teaching and consistent public performance.
His accompanying work, spanning multiple choral programs and music directors across Southern California, has provided decades of real-world musical collaboration. It’s the kind of experience that can’t be replicated in a practice room. Working with different directors and musicians brings exposure to varied interpretations, styles, and approaches that directly inform his teaching methods.
Recording Career
Beyond teaching and live performance, David has recorded three CDs, two of which feature all original works. His latest album, “Unexpected Journey” (2004), is available on platforms like Apple Music, Spotify, and Amazon, showcasing his versatility as both a performer and composer.
Making Music Fun, Not a Chore
David’s teaching philosophy is straightforward: music should be enjoyable, not tedious. His piano instruction services welcome adult students both online and in-studio, as well as children and teenagers. There’s no specialty niche—all levels and all styles are on the table.
This open-door approach reflects a belief that music education should be accessible and adaptable. An adult returning to the piano after decades away has different needs than a teenager preparing for college auditions, and both differ from a child taking their first lesson. David’s comprehensive approach accommodates that range.
Looking Forward
With 30,000 lessons already in the books, the focus now extends beyond technique and theory to long-term student development. The goal isn’t just competence at the keyboard—it’s cultivating success at a level where some students might choose professional music careers themselves.
It’s an ambitious aim, but one grounded in practical experience. Having navigated both teaching and professional performance for years, David understands what that path requires. The combination of consistent performing and teaching creates a feedback loop where stage experience informs instruction, and teaching reinforces fundamental skills that serve performance.
For students in Southern California looking for piano lessons that bridge classical training with real performance experience, David Mount (Tuned Musician) represents a rare combination: extensive teaching expertise paired with ongoing professional work. That’s not just someone who used to perform teaching about performance—it’s an active musician who still shows up for the 2,001st show.
Learn more at davidmount.com.