Jazz Trumpet

“Dave Rocha is a modern player out of the hard-bop tradition, with a beautiful sound and tremendous facility on the horn. You can hear the influence of Clifford Brown, Lee Morgan and others in his playing, but Dave has his own voice, and it's a nice one!”
— Dan Feiszli Jazz bassist and recording engineer
“Dave’s playing and repertoire evokes memories of the golden era of Modern Jazz, and in addition to being a nice guy he happens to be a bebopper of the finest order.”
— Chris Cortez Jazz Radio Station KCSM
“Dave Rocha is a mature and eminently musical improviser. His sumptuous tone and cafefully chosen notes embody real musical thought. His performance of 'Dear Old Stockholm' at Chez Hanny evoked favorable comparisons to Miles Davis' classic recording.”
— Frank Hanny Host of Chez Hanny
“Dave Rocha's playing of the trumpet is truly masterful. His many years of study, practice and performance are evident. He has a beautiful and clear tone and his playing is athletic and precise. Dave makes playing the trumpet appear easy, even though it is noted as one of the most difficult of all instruments. He plays with style, elegance, humor and intelligence. He is one of the Bay Area's gifted musicians.”
— Carolyn Brandy Latin percussionist
“Dave is a pleasure to work with. He's a phenomenal technician with chops to spare.”
— Randy Vincent Jazz guitarist
“I always enjoy working with Dave Rocha in the studio, due to his musicianship, professionalism and excellent trumpet playing.”
— Mike Cogan Owner, Bay Records
“We had the pleasure of hiring and hearing trumpeter Dave Rocha here at The Lodge at Sonoma, our venue for live jazz in Sonoma. He was wonderfully dynamic and adept at playing both trumpet and flugelhorn. Dave not only offered up an entertaining instrumental group but I found him to also be a terrific accompanist. I had the pleasure of sitting in with him and his fabulous trio and his additions were perfect! I look forward to working with him again.”
— Dana Land Jazz vocalist / Board member of Sonoma Valley Jazz Society
“Dave Rocha is a true pleasure to play with. I really enjoy his choice of tunes, as well as his tasteful energy and soulful trumpet playing”
— Kelly Fasman Freelance drummer in the S.F. Bay Area
“A fine band leader, with precise marathon chops and great intonation”
— Chris Amberger Jazz bassist

Jazz In The Schools

“After a few weeks of grueling testing, it was music to our ears to be soothed with the beautiful sounds provided by Dave Rocha and his quintet. Students, teachers and administrators were delighted with the educational themes that punctuated the diversity of musical renditions. It was the perfect way to end the testing season and the week.”
— Cathy Ennon Principal, Abbott Middle School
“Dave Rocha and his quintet do an excellent job of not only performing and entertaining, but also teaching and introducing students to the history of jazz and different instruments. I highly recommend this assembly for any school.”
— Joe Nguyen Principal, Jensen Ranch Elementary School, Castro Valley, CA
“I have known Dave for quite a few years and have always been impressed with his trumpet / flugel playing. Dave has a great tone, excellent ideas and marvelous technique. He is also a committed educator who works hard to make sure that jazz as an art form is passed on to future generations through countless in-school jazz clinics around the SF Bay Area. Dave is also serious and reliable and one of the most in-demand players in the Bay Area.”
— Jeff Massanari Guitarist
“I have worked with Dave Rocha as part of the San Francisco Symphony's 'Adventures in Music' program. Dave is a pleasure to work with, and he puts together bands that are inspiring to play in.”
— Beth Goodfellow Jazz drummer

Trumpet Lessons

“Dave takes his teaching seriously. He has a lesson plan to help students develop in an orderly way but is also willing to help prepare them for performances and auditions. Our son was having problems with his tone and Dave gave him exercises that have helped him work through the problem. He combines high expectations with patience and encouragement. We've been with him over two years and feel lucky to have found him.”
— Ray Chris's Dad
“Our son had no music background and took up trumpet in the fall. In less than a year, under Dave's patient tutelage, our son's skill level had improved such that he'd been moved from the beginning school band to the intermediate band in the 4th quarter of the school year. We are extremely pleased with Dave's teaching.”
— Katie and Jeff Parents of 5th grade student
“Dave Rocha is a remarkable teacher. He takes the time to get to know his students and then he capitalizes on their interests and strengths to develop their weaknesses. In addition, he adapts his lessons and works with both the student and the parents to meet the needs of his students.”
— Sheila Jacob's Mom