Credit to: Sharon Farmer
Internationally Acclaimed Musical Performer
Davey Yarborough is an internationally acclaimed musical performer, hailing proudly from the District of Columbia, and he wears many hats in the world of music. As the president and artistic director of The Washington Jazz Arts Institute, his journey has been one of dedication to both performance and education. Continue reading about Dav-Est Music Works.
His Passion and Commitment
Davey Yarborough's passion for nurturing young talent led him to spend 40 years at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts, where he served as a jazz educator and retired in 2019. It's a place that holds a special corner in his heart as he watched students grow into accomplished musicians and artists. In 2017, his commitment to mentoring was recognized with induction into the Washington, D.C. Hall of Fame, followed by the Downbeat Magazine Jazz Educator Hall of Fame the next year.
Credit to: Sharon Farmer
Credit to: Sharon Farmer
His Musical Journey
Davey Yarborough's musical journey began with a solid foundation in education and performance, earning both bachelor's and master's degrees. Alongside his academic pursuits, he had the privilege of studying under the tutelage of revered musicians like Frank Wess and Sonny Stitt, honing his skills in the flute and saxophone. He taught saxophone and created the jazz orchestra at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, D.C., an internationally recognized Jazz Studies program.
Stars of the Jazz World
Throughout his career as a performer, bandleader, composer, and arranger, Davey Yarborough has had the privilege of collaborating with some of the brightest stars in the jazz world, including Sir Roland Hanna, Keter Betts, Billy Eckstine, Buck Hill, Shirley Horn, Lena Horne, and Joe Williams, to name a few. He also collaborated with trumpet virtuoso Wynton Marsalis, performing on Marsalis’ Making the Music series on National Public Radio (NPR). These experiences have enriched his musical palette and fueled his creative spirit.
Credit to: Sharon Farmer
Credit to: Sharon Farmer
Credit to: Sharon Farmer
Empowering Young Musicians
But his work extends beyond the stage and studio as a recording artist. He co-founded The Washington Jazz Arts Institute with Esther Williams and the accomplished staff in 1998. It was a pivotal moment, allowing him to continue the legacy of arts education and mentorship in the district. Through instruction, lectures, professional workshops, mentor opportunities, and performances, he aims to empower young musicians and cultivate their talents.
Recognitions and Awards
He has been honored to receive the prestigious “Mayor’s Arts Award” not once, but twice, in Washington, D.C., recognizing his commitment to Excellence and Dedication in the Arts and Education. Connie Chung highlighted his work in a touching segment on ABC’s 20/20, shedding light on his efforts on behalf of his students. Additionally, he is humbled to have been awarded the esteemed “Whitney M. Young, Jr. Community Service Award” from the Greater Washington Urban League for his contributions to his students and the wider community. In addition, he's been privileged to receive the “D.C. Emancipation Day Image Award” and the “Distinguished Alumni Award” from the D.C. Youth Orchestra. His wife, Esther Williams, and he were jointly recognized with a Community Service Award from Kids In Trouble, and he was honored by The Society Inc. of D.C. for his unwavering dedication to the education of young people.
Credit to: Sharon Farmer
Credit to: Sharon Farmer
Dedication to the Arts and Education
He is proud to have been recognized as the “Jazz Educator of the Year” by The Berklee Conservatory, presented through the Jazz Education Network, at their annual conference. That same year, he had the privilege of being a semi-finalist for the Grammy’s prestigious “Music Educator of the Year” award. Throughout his career, he’s been honored with several notable awards, including the Music Educators National Conference (MENC) – Lowell Mason Award for his contributions to teaching. The Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority bestowed upon him the honor of “Excellence in Teaching,” and he was privileged to receive the Benny Golson Jazz Masters Award, recognizing distinguished alumni of Howard University’s jazz program.
Inspirational Teaching and Mentorship
He is grateful to have received the Kennedy Center’s Stephen Sondheim “Inspirational Teacher” award, which holds a special place in his heart. As he retired from The Duke Ellington School of the Arts, Channel 9 television host Bruce Johnson showcased his inspirational journey in his Off-Script series, capturing the essence of his lifelong dedication to teaching and mentorship.
Credit to: Sharon Farmer
Credit to: Sharon Farmer
Credit to: Sharon Farmer
The Next Chapter
As Davey Yarborough embarks on the next chapter of his journey, he invites you to explore Dav-Est Music Works services and discover the intersection of passion, artistry, and education. Join him on this musical adventure.