Dave moved to New York City to pursue formal studies in late 2007. For a year, he attended The Bass Collective, studying with such greats as Lincoln Goines and Janek Gwizdala. The Bass Collective also provided the opportunity of a lifetime when students were recruited in the filming of "Groove Workshop" (2008), an instructional DVD by Victor Wooten. Dave and six of his colleagues are featured in this video, basses locked n' loaded, interacting and learning with Victor and Anthony Wellington. This DVD is available through Hudson Music.

In late 2008, Dave moved to Boston to attend the renowned Berklee College of Music. He is a dual Performance and Professional Music major there, and is also pursuing a minor in Drama. In Boston, Dave has played gigs with Mighty Sam McClain, Samantha Farrell, Nagi Okamoto, the Boston Babydolls Burlesque troupe, and more. Through his self-run label "Interrobang Records", Dave is producing several releases for 2013 - including a contemporary jazz record by Yuto Kanazawa, and the debut showcase of songwriter Melissa Fielding. He has also attended two summer Music/Nature camps at Wooten Woods in Only, Tennessee. 

In 2012, Dave joined Steve Oristaglio & the Full Circle Band as part of Berklee's Executive Sessions series. This group of Berklee's most outstanding young musicians performed a rockin' set at the 18th Annual Encore Gala in October 2012 - alongside event headliners The Family Stone - to benefit the Berklee City Music Program. Dave is thrilled to again join The Full Circle Band for a show at The Royale, Boston, on April 20th, 2013. Dave will also play bass for "Hair: The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical" with Berklee's Musical Theater Orchestra on April 25th and 26th at the Berklee Performance Center.