Bio
About Dave Cohen
Guitarist • Guitar Teacher • Composer
Dave Cohen is a guitarist, guitar teacher, composer, and Berklee College of Music graduate based in Evanston Illinois. He is currently the lead session guitarist at Joe Quality Studio, where he has recorded on over seven albums and numerous singles. In addition to studio work, Dave composes cinematic music television, trailers, and media while teaching private guitar lessons both in person and online.
After graduating from high school, Dave received a partial scholarship to Berklee College of Music, where he earned a degree in Professional Music with a focus on performance and arranging.
With over 40 years of experience as a guitarist, performer, and composer — and more than a decade of teaching experience — Dave brings a lifetime of musical artistry and real-world experience to every lesson and project. His teaching approach focuses on helping students build confidence through learning songs, soloing, improvisation, music theory, ear training, technique, and creative musical expression.
In addition to teaching students of all ages and skill levels, Dave is also a seasoned composer whose original music blends cinematic, contemporary, vintage, rock, Americana, and hybrid orchestral influences. His work ranges from trailer music and media composition to session recording and live performance projects, combining emotional impact with modern production and guitar-driven energy.
Whether you are looking for personalized guitar lessons, custom music composition, session guitar recording, or live performance support, Dave is dedicated to making each musical experience engaging, creative, and rewarding.
Ready to take the next step in your musical journey?
Contact Dave to learn more about guitar lessons, session work, composition services, and the latest music.
Composition & Session Work
In addition to teaching guitar, Dave is a seasoned composer and professional session guitarist whose compositionwork blends cinematic, contemporary, vintage, rock, Americana, and hybrid orchestral influences. His original music combines atmospheric textures, modern production, emotional impact, and guitar-driven energy for film, television, trailers, podcasts, and media projects.
Professional session guitar services are available for studio recording, guitar overdubs, remote recording projects, live performances, concerts, touring support, and substitute or fill-in guitar work. Session guitar services include rhythm guitar, lead guitar, backing guitar parts, custom guitar tracks, overdubs, and sight-reading tailored to each project’s musical and production needs.
Remote session guitar tracks can be professionally recorded and delivered ready for mixing.
Musical Background
Dave’s musical background includes rock, blues, progressive rock, pop, jazz, funk, metal, R&B, classical, cinematic, Americana, and experimental music. His experience as a guitarist, composer, performer, and educator allows him to work across a wide range of musical styles and creative projects.
Whether working with beginning guitar students, recording original music, composing cinematic scores, or performing live, Dave is committed to creating engaging and rewarding musical experiences.
