Meet Our Teachers

Joe Morales: Saxophone

Joe Morales is a recording session player, arranger, producer, composer, and music teacher who has performed in Austin, Texas for the last 40+ years.

His professional performing career has included recording on albums for Linda Ronstadt, John Hyatt, Flaco Jimenez, Texas Tornadoes, Freddie Fender, Duck Soup, The Brew and hundreds more. He received a Grammy Plaque for his work in arranging and performing on a Flaco Jimenez CD. As a jingle singer, Joe has performed in over 100 jingles. In 1993, he received the “Joe Morales Day” award from Austin Mayor Bruce Todd in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the community through his musicianship. He holds a monthly Saturday residency with The Brew at the world-famous Elephant Room in Austin.

Joe has taught privately for over 40 years and has led summer jazz camps for children for over 30 years. He founded the weekly Austin Jazz Club, a music group for kids. Currently, Joe is the jazz consultant to the Eanes Jazz Program and the McCallum School of Fine Arts Jazz Program.

David Pulkingham: Guitar

David Pulkingham grew up traveling internationally, recording and performing from a young age. He was first published at age four and has his first recording session at age seven. Upon graduating from the prestigious Jazz Studies program at the University of North Texas, he moved to Austin, Texas for his professional career. He is known for his abilities in numerous styles, and has recorded and performed with a wide range of musicians locally and internationally.

Tony Visconti, the legendary record producer best known for producing David Bowie, called Pulkingham “the complete guitarist.” “David is one of the best guitarists I’ve ever worked with. “He is equally brilliant in pick styles, finger styles, classical, Flamenco, Brazilian — rock ‘n’ roll and jazz. He always amazes me.”

David toured as the right hand man of Texas troubadour, Alejandro Escovedo, for ten years. He was also the musical director of the Alejandro Escovedo Orchestra. He has performed on such stages as Carnegie Hall and has shared the stage with icons such as Bruce Springsteen. In December of 2012 he was asked to be the bandleader and guitarist for two shows with Robert Plant and Patty Griffin, and went on to tour with Patty Griffin in 2013 in support of her new album release “American Kid.” He has experience producing, and has released a number of EPs and albums.

David currently tours with Patty Griffin and plays internationally under his own name. He has extensive experience teaching music to young people and adults.

Sustaining the Music Mentors Program

The Program costs $5,000 per student per year. Support us in sustaining the music education available to our young people by generously committing to a monthly donation!

All donations are tax deductible and monthly donors receive surprise benefits.