Dave Tallarida

Educational Service Representative

Dave Tallarida was born on Long Island, New York. In 1989 he moved to Amherst, MA to attend college at the University of Massachusetts Amherst as a music education major and a percussionist. While in college he enjoyed performing in the wind ensemble, the percussion ensemble, the UMASS marimba band and the UMASS Minuteman Marching Band. Currently, Dave lives in Amherst, MA and he enjoys the beauty of the pioneer valley.

Upon his graduation from UMASS Amherst, Dave worked in the Shepherd Hill Regional High School as the junior high band director from 1994 until 1999. In the summer of 1999, Dave began working at Gerry’s Music Shop as a Sales Representative. In 2000, he transitioned from working in the store, to working on the road as our Educational Representative. In addition to working at Gerry’s, Dave performs in the area as a freelance percussionist. His favorite part of his job at Gerry’s is working with passionate music educators who make a positive difference in students’ lives. It’s nice that Gerry’s can play a role in helping to make that difference. Although a majority of Dave’s time is spent on the road, interacting with music teachers in both Massachusetts and Connecticut, he takes pleasure in his time in the store as well, helping customers directly. One of his strengths is understanding where a customer is coming from, and helping them find what they need in order to be successful. As a percussionist, Dave’s favorite department in the store is the Drums and Percussion Department. He is very proud of the quality and variety of percussion equipment that Gerry’s carries.