David Berger is internationally recognized as a major authority on the work of Duke Ellington.  Having transcribed and studied over five hundred Ellington and Strayhorn compositions and arrangements has given him a uniquely comprehensive understanding of this body of work.  Berger has conducted bands around the world, most notably as the first conductor of the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra (now the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra) in New York City.  He loves sharing the lessons he's learned through the process of studying Duke's music; there is an incredible amount of distilled information in each workshop, all of which is invaluable to any composer or arranger.

Here's a recent article from the Washington Post about David.

From David:
Fifty years ago, I graduated from college, moved back to NY and set out to become a better jazz composer, arranger, and performer. Herb Pomeroy and Thad Jones had pointed me to study Duke Ellington’s music to learn the most, but there were no scores available anywhere. So, after listening for a few years, I started transcribing Duke’s scores from the recordings. The gradual effect on my own music was immense. Years later I taught a popular 2-semester graduate course at the Manhattan School of Music on Duke Ellington using hundreds of the scores I had transcribed. My students paid thousands of dollars for this course. 

Now, with the miracle of Zoom I’m able to offer my scores and detailed analyses for the incredibly low price of $15 per 2-hour session or $200 for a year of 12 monthly sessions. Each session I dissect one score note by note unlocking the secrets to Ellington’s mastery of rhythm, melody, harmony, orchestration, and form, with a few bits of historical context and anecdotes thrown in for reference. After all, what we want to know is: how did Ellington make his giant step into greatness in his world, so that we may be inspired to make our own giant step in our world.

Zoom further enables all the participants to comment and ask and answer questions during my presentation, and at the end of each session, there is an active question and answer period. Our sessions are usually on the third Sunday of each month at 3 PM Eastern Time, but double check each specific date as that pattern may change sometimes. For those unable to attend any sessions, or if you would like to re-watch, all shows are archived online and are accessible to subscribers.

If you are a jazz composer, arranger, player, or teacher, these classes are for you. But don’t take my word for it. Watch a short excerpt from my session on Ko-Ko. Click below and see and hear for yourself.

Everyone KNOWS Ellington is amazing, but they need to know that the rare opportunity to look at these scores with a Ellingtonian master is being offered.

 - Andy Meyers

Thanks, David.  I enjoyed it immensely and learned very much from the session. Unfortunately, I had to cut out early, so I look forward to re-watching and catching the end.  

Nick Rossi – Musician, Writer, Historian

An incredible Zoom session tonight with David. These lectures really are the best thing going at the moment. Totally unrivalled and offering an action-packed analysis of the mastery work of the Duke. I only wish that they were every WEEK!  

Dave, you should start charging TRIPLE the price for these incredible lectures!!! My arrangements have already improved quite significantly since last month’s session! I’m a lot more conscious of things and have been much more experimental in my horn voicings. I can’t thank you enough for these Zoom sessions They truly are the best thing ever and anyone who does not subscribe is really missing out so much! The Facebook group is amazing!!

Paul David Seaman – P.G. Dip. Mus. Perf.

Thank you so much for the wonderful zoominar today!!! Highlight of my month is digging into these pieces with you and the group. I have two music degrees that I paid a lot of money for and rarely got this level of instruction/analysis.

Thanks and looking forward to the next one.

Christian Dancy – Guitarist, Arranger, Teacher 

Excellent work David! Great insight!

Curt Wilson – Professor of Music Emeritus, Texas Christian University

Inspired. Thank you, Maestro. This was excellent.

Marcus Shelby – Healdsburg Jazz Artistic Director

Beautiful job as usual, David. Thank you for your attention to detail, and all the anecdotes.  I look forward to the next one!

Steve Watson – Producer, Composer, Arranger, Performer

I am thrilled to sign up for your series of Duke Ellington seminars, David.  The opportunity to learn from someone with such a vast knowledge of the history and techniques of jazz arranging is a dream come true.  Your insightful analysis of the music of our mutual hero Duke Ellington is eye-opening and invaluable.  Many thanks for sharing your wisdom and experience with us.

Chris Siebert – Musical Director, Lavay Smith & Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers