David Dugnas
Multi-Instrumentalist | Pianist | Guitarist | Bassist
Welcome! I’m a multi-instrumentalist based in Glasgow, Scotland, studying music at the University of Edinburgh and currently on exchange at the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Music. I play piano, guitar and electric bass across jazz, classical and contemporary music, and I perform, accompany, record and teach.
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Biography
David Dugnas is a multi-instrumentalist working across piano, guitar and electric bass in jazz, classical and contemporary settings. Originally from Glasgow, Scotland, he studies music at the University of Edinburgh and is currently on exchange at the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Music.
As a pianist, David was a finalist in the 2024 South Lanarkshire Young Musician of the Year competition and has worked as a collaborative pianist for degree graduation recitals. His self-directed work on guitar and bass led to recurring rhythm-section appearances at The Jazz Bar in Edinburgh, as well as a live showcase set at the Glasgow universities’ Battle of the Bands.
David also runs a private teaching practice in piano, guitar and bass fundamentals, and works as a freelance session musician and arranger for independent student and songwriter projects across Scotland and in Toronto.
Download bio (PDF)
Media
Video
Gallery
Hover for a caption, click to enlarge, then use the arrows or the X.
Press
A jazz and soul programme exploring the “pocket,” with a trio of piano, bass and drums, a solo piano ballad and a duo with drums. Click the poster to read the full press release.
Electronic Press Kit (EPK)
A compressed folder containing my biography, repertoire list or set list, and a high-resolution photo.
Download EPK (zip)
Repertoire
Two sample set lists: a formal feature concert and a lighter commercial or background gig.
Set 1: Formal Feature Concert (48 minutes)
- Arabesque No. 1: Claude Debussy Impressionist (Piano)
- Anthropology: Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie Bebop, Up-tempo (Piano)
- Rêverie: Claude Debussy Impressionist (Piano)
- Tune Up: Miles Davis Medium-up, Swing (Keys)
- Roundabout: Yes Prog-rock, Feature (Bass)
- Summer Soft: Stevie Wonder Soul, Fusion (Keys)
- Spanish Joint: D’Angelo and Roy Hargrove Neo-soul, Latin (Keys)
- Rondo alla Turca: W.A. Mozart Classical, Finale (Piano)
Set 2: Commercial and Background (45 minutes)
- All the Things You Are: Jerome Kern Medium, Swing (Piano)
- Yesterday: The Beatles Ballad (Acoustic guitar)
- Autumn Leaves: Joseph Kosma Medium, Swing (Piano)
- My Funny Valentine: Richard Rodgers Ballad (Acoustic guitar)
- Ain’t No Sunshine: Bill Withers Soul, Mid-tempo (Piano)
- New Kid: Christopher Norton Contemporary, Groove (Piano)
- Never Too Much: Luther Vandross R&B, Upbeat (Bass)
- I Wish: Stevie Wonder Funk, Groove (Bass)
- Hysteria: Muse Crossover, Closer (Bass)
Compositions
I write and arrange across electronic, choral and band settings. Below are excerpts from two recent works: the cover, plus a page of the programme note or score. Click a page to enlarge it. For the full score or the complete recordings, please get in touch.
Green (2026, 4 min 11 s)
For an electronic ensemble of drum kit, Rhodes and synthesizers, 808 and granular basses, electric guitars, and baritone voices. A journey through perception and jealousy, built on intrusive thoughts and the feeling of being misread by another.
Excerpt: the first 15 seconds of Green
A Hundred Thousand Billion Chorales (2026, 4 min 21 s)
For ten voices (SATB) with an optional basso profundo. Inspired by Raymond Queneau’s Cent mille milliards de poèmes, it treats the chorale as a shifting, modular form, using staggered glissandi to create a cloud of microtonal sound.
Excerpt: the first 15 seconds of A Hundred Thousand Billion Chorales
All works © David Dugnas 2026. Excerpts are shown for viewing only and may not be copied or reproduced.
Services
Here is what you can hire me to do.
Concerts and Recitals
Solo piano, trio and quartet performances for presenters, series and festivals.Weddings and Events
Piano or acoustic guitar for ceremonies, receptions and background sets.Private Lessons
Piano, guitar and electric bass lessons at your home, for beginner to intermediate students.Collaboration
Session work on guitar, bass, keys and vocals, collaborative accompaniment, and rhythm charts and arrangements.Fees vary with length, travel and arrangements, so please get in touch for a quote.
Teaching
I teach piano, guitar and electric bass to beginner and intermediate students, with a focus on technique, basic harmony and chart reading. Lessons are friendly, organized and goal-driven. I hold ABRSM Grades 1–8 in practical piano.
Piano
Technique, repertoire, theory and exam preparation.Guitar and Bass
Fundamentals, groove, reading charts and playing with others.Harmony and Charts
Chords, lead sheets and playing in a band setting.Lesson Policies
Where I teach: I travel to students’ homes and do not teach from a studio. Please choose a quiet space with a well-kept piano, keyboard, guitar or bass, plus a music stand or table.
Rates: Fees depend on your location and the travel involved, so please get in touch for a quote.
Lesson length: Lessons are 30, 45 or 60 minutes, agreed before we begin.
Cancellations: Please give at least 24 hours’ notice by text or email. Because I travel to each lesson, late cancellations and no-shows are charged in full. If I need to cancel, I will reschedule at no cost to you.
Payment: Payment is due at or before each lesson, or monthly in advance if you prefer.
Under 18: A parent or guardian should be at home during lessons for students under 18.
Illness: If the student or teacher is unwell, we will reschedule so that we don’t pass on sickness.
Practice: For beginners, 15 to 20 minutes, five days a week is a great start. Take short stretch breaks to avoid strain.
Please have ready: your instrument (tuned or ready to tune), your music or notebook and a charged tablet.
Communication: I aim to reply to messages within 24 hours.
Recordings: Lesson recordings are for the student’s private use only and remain my intellectual property.
Session Work and Collaboration
Since 2021 I have recorded guitar, bass, keys and vocals for independent singer-songwriters and student projects in Glasgow and Toronto. I also work as a collaborative pianist and guitarist, accompanying vocal recitals across jazz, soul, R&B, funk and classical repertoire.
Studio Sessions
Electric and acoustic guitar, bass guitar, keyboards and backing vocals.Collaborative Piano
Recitals, auditions and graduation performances.Arranging
Rhythm charts and arrangements for bands and showcases.Rhythm Section
Jam nights, gigs and live sets on bass, keys or guitar.How It Works
2. I’ll confirm the instruments, timeline and a quote.
3. We rehearse or record, and I deliver the files or charts.
Contact
For bookings, lessons and questions, email david.dugnas@gmail.com or use the form.