Organist, Pianist and Music Teacher, David Marsh Talks About Music and Musical Accompaniment following a meeting at Fox Fullerton Theatre.
I first met David Marsh at the centennial celebration of the Fox Fullerton Theatre in Fullerton, CA, a historic sister cinema to Grauman’s Chinese Theatre and the Egyptian Theatre in Los Angeles, CA. That night, David was at the organ, accompanying a screening of Buster Keaton’s ‘Steamboat Bill Jr.’ with a live, improvised score. Within minutes of hearing him play, I knew we had to feature this remarkably talented Orange County resident.
Marsh is a pianist and organist known for his inventive performances that blend jazz and classical improvisation. Whether channeling the intricate harmonies of Ravel or delivering the kinetic energy of a bebop standard, David approaches music with rare versatility and unmistakable joy. But it’s his disarming, self-deprecating humor on stage that transforms every concert into more than a performance, it becomes a gathering of friends, new and old.
Marsh’s musical path began at the piano as a young child and expanded to the organ at age 14, captivated by its expressive range and the character of each unique instrument. Eschewing a conventional academic track, David instead cultivated his artistry under the guidance of respected mentors like Gene Roberson and Rosemary Bailey, figures who recognized and nurtured his distinct voice.
Over the years, Marsh has brought his talents to venues across the country, including Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel, the RBTL Auditorium Theatre in Rochester, the Oklahoma City History Center, the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, Old Town Music Hall in El Segundo, Balboa Park in San Diego, The Senate Theater in Detroit, and Bandrika Studios in Tarzana alongside the San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra. His performances have resonated with audiences from California to Georgia, Michigan to New York.
Beyond the stage, Marsh is also a passionate teacher of piano, composition, arranging, and music theory. His holistic approach emphasizes creativity and personal expression, balancing warmth with rigor. His educational journey began as Director of Music Technology at Villa Park High School, later serving as Administrator of Operations at Soli Studios Music in Orange County before shifting to private instruction.
Offstage, Marsh is a multifaceted creative. He enjoys cooking, nature walks, and photography, though he’ll be the first to say he’s still learning. He’s also a quiet humorist, creating comedic videos that remain private, for now. His musical tastes are as eclectic as his personality, with deep respect for everything from classic rock to dubstep, especially the precision and innovation in electronic music production.
Deep in his soul, David Marsh is an artist who plays by his own rules, pushing boundaries, challenging expectations, and reminding audiences that music, above all, should be fun, meaningful, and deeply human.
Marsh’s next accompaniment will be on June 8, 2025 for the Charlie Chaplin classic, ‘Show People’ at Old Town Music Hall in El Segundo, CA. To purchase tickets visit: https://prod5.agileticketing.net/.
Visit David Marsh‘s official website to see future concerts and if you are looking for music lessons visit: https://www.davidmarsh.biz/.
Follow David Marsh on Instagram @realdavidmarsh.
