David Farrell Melton is a pianist, singer-songwriter, educator, and creator based in Maplewood, New Jersey, just a dozen miles west of the Hudson River, following 15 years living in Brooklyn. A graduate of NYU (Music & Philosophy), he has built a diverse career performing, recording, and teaching across New York City over the years. 

As a young musician, David received national recognition as a two-time DownBeat Award winner for Best Composition and Outstanding Soloist, as well as a two-time Essentially Ellington Outstanding Soloist. By age 18, he had already shared the stage with jazz legends such as Wynton Marsalis, Kurt Elling, Joe Lovano, and Phil Woods.

Over the years, he has also performed with a wide range of artists and projects, including Tony Award winner Shaina Taub and Grammy Award–winning The 8-Bit Big Band, among others.

In addition to performing, David is the creator of Wheels of Music, a hands-on tool that helps musicians actually see how music theory works through simple, visual relationships. The project reflects his passion for making complex musical concepts more intuitive and accessible to players of all levels.

He has performed at venues including Lincoln Center, the Apollo Theater, and the Delacorte Theater (Shakespeare in the Park), and continues to work regularly as a freelance musician throughout the New York area. He is also a longtime member of the house band at Café Wha in Greenwich Village.