David V. Montoya received a bachelor’s degree in music education from California State University, Los Angeles (1992), and a master of music degree from the University of Nevada, Reno (1998). He has taught music in the California public schools for 21 years, currently teaching at La Habra High School. In the 2009-2010 school year Montoya was named LHHS Teacher-of-the-Year. Montoya’s music, including African Processional: ""Jambo rafiki yangu,"" has been performed throughout the world by high schools, colleges, churches, and such prestigious groups as the Army Band's Singing Sergeants, El Cafe Chorale (Costa Rica), the Kansas City Chorale, Louisiana State University A Cappella Choir, the Philippine Chamber Singers, whateverandeveramen (Seattle) and the Grammy Award-winning Phoenix Chorale. His compositions range from a cappella and accompanied choral music (from the silly to the sacred) to works for solo voice, guitar, piano, brass, ukulele, and even harmonica. Montoya has served as board member of the California branch of the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) and the Southern California Vocal Association (SCVA). He is also a member of the California Teachers Association (CTA), and the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP). Montoya studies composition with his dear friend and teacher, noted author/composer, William Allaudin Mathieu. He is also the caretaker of entire library of scores written by mentor and friend George Heussenstamm (www.GeorgeHeussenstamm.com). Montoya studied jazz ukulele with acclaimed uke master Bill ""Tappy"" Tapia, who passed away in December of 2011 just shy of his 104th birthday. Bill was known as the oldest living professional performing musician in the world. Montoya lives in Southern California with his wife Patricia, his three sons, David Thomas (13), Joseph (12), and Matthew (8), and the family canine, Dusty (2).
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