with Adrian Dunne, LGSM
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About
Adrian Dunne
Adrian Dunne is a music director, educator, and composer with over 30 years of experience developing musicians and leading high-level musical environments.
As a private instructor, Adrian has worked with students of all ages, from beginners to advanced musicians, helping them build skill, confidence, and a genuine understanding of music.
Beyond teaching, he serves as a music director for large-scale productions, overseeing musicians, vocalists, and live performance execution. His work includes composing and producing original music for both media and live settings.
Adrian’s approach is both structured and practical, equipping students and teams not just to learn music, but to perform it with clarity, confidence, and purpose.
Whether working with individuals, schools, or productions, his goal is simple: to develop musicians who are capable, confident, and prepared for real-world musical environments.
Services
Professional Music Services
Adrian brings a variety of professional and creative solutions to the performing arts arena. From lessons to performance, from composition to education, Adrian tailors his services to fit each clients' needs.
01
Music Lessons
Adrian offers private and group lessons. He has over 30 years experience teaching piano and drums and employs a method that enables students to learn to play their instrument in an expedient manner. Students stay engaged because of his encouraging and fun approach. Adrian offers a group piano lessons using the state-of-the-art Yamaha LC4 Music Lab which still allows personal attention even in a group setting.
02
Music Performance
Adrian's primary focus as a professional performer is that of a music director and a drummer. Having directed several music productions and musicals totaling over 90 performances, Adrian brings a wealth of expertise to not only the performance side of shows, but to scoring music for the band, creating auxiliary tracks, directing rehearsals, sourcing top-class musicians, interacting with producers, directors, and technical personnel. He has been the director of musicals that feature a five-piece rock band performing over 30 songs in a show with a cast and crew of over 100 individuals. His largest role was a Christmas show performed at The Rady Shell in San Diego, with a six-piece band, a 20-piece string section, and a 100-person choir.
03
Music Composition
Adrian's work as a composer includes working with Virgin Records Arts and Education program, Country Music Television, several commercials, short movies, and a full length movie. His writing style covers cinematic, 80's pop, contemporary rock, funk, and jazz. Adrian composes from his home studio in San Diego, CA.
04
Music Education
Adrian teaches a variety of programs for schools. His music appreciation class at Chula Vista Christian University is a socratic discussion course that challenges students to find an appreciation of a wide spectrum of genres and styles. His class covers a historical overview of eras spanning early styles from the 1400's to contemporary styles of the 21st Century that encourages students to develop a basic knowledge of theory, instrumentation, culture, and history.
Additionally, an extremely popular and fun class for budding percussionists, is his signature "Street Beats" course. Using just a pair of drum sticks and a 5-gallon bucket, Adrian teaches students basic rhythms, simple drumming techniques, and group exercises. This 16-week class culminates in a series of performance pieces.
Testimonies
S. Blake Kanicka
Grammy-winning producer (Kanye West, for KING & COUNTRY, Infinity Song)
Adrian Dunne embodies one of my favorite qualities in musicians and people: 'preparation is success.' While producing a robust live album, he carried the team with exceptional tones, saturated feel, and an unwavering commitment to the process. A masterfully talented drummer I wholeheartedly recommend.
Hiram Garza
Music Director/Conductor, Crown Pointe Academy
I've worked with Adrian Dunne for over 4 years in San Diego - his leadership as a music director, empathy as a church leader, and communication as a team player are outstanding. His passion is contagious, and I could always count on his playing being consistently professional.
Kateland Raftery
Musician, Educator
Adrian is not only a man of musical talent but is a man of musical solution, a great mentor and director. I have seen him navigate some impossible situations on the spot and he directed all the bands I participated in with grace and excellence. He made himself very available to his team and gave us the great gift of organization, communication, and guidance. I have nothing but great things to say about working with him!
Shioui Langford
Adult Student
Adrian is an incredible drum teacher! I genuinely look forward to Thursday lesson every week! He engages your brain in a way that forces you to confront and fix coordination gaps you didn’t even know you had. Adrian is a great observer; he watches your technique closely and always finds the right key to unlock your next level of playing. His teaching is flexible, fun, and highly personalized.
Paul Anderberg
Music Director, Musician, Educator
Adrian’s work is undeniably masterful; marked by discipline, precision, and deep intentionality. As a music director and drummer, he doesn’t just execute at a high level; he draws excellence out of everyone around him.
Wana Bernales
Parent
Adrian is a fantastic musician and music teacher. He’s also amazing with kids! I still remember when our children started with Adrian and our son said, “He’s the best teacher ever!"
Grace See
Musician, Educator
Adrian is an incredibly skilled, well rounded musician and music director with a strong attention to detail and a high level of technical excellence! He communicates clearly, leads with confidence, and creates an environment where everyone can succeed. On top of that, he is genuinely such a joy to work with! He truly makes every project feel smooth, collaborative, and just a really great experience overall!
Ilse Munson
Parent
Our son started with no musical experience, and over the past two years Adrian has helped him grow tremendously in piano and now drums as well. He is patient, encouraging, and truly inspires confidence and a love of music in every lesson.
Sophia Gomez
Parent
Over the past 8 years, we’ve watched our daughter’s skill and passion for piano blossom from playing Chopsticks to Chopin. Adrian’s warm, adaptive and engaging teaching style and musical talent has expanded our world of music and added to the joy we find in it.
Who I Work With
01
Students & Families
Private and group instruction designed to help students grow quickly, build confidence, and enjoy the process of learning music.
02
Schools & Educational Programs
Music education solutions that are structured, engaging, and scalable, helping schools offer high-quality music instruction without added complexity.
03
Productions & Churches
Professional music direction for live events and productions, ensuring clarity, cohesion, and a high-level performance experience.
04
Creative Projects
Custom composition and recording for media, film, and creative work, bringing your ideas to life through music.