David Crabbs

Teaching Artist of Guitar
Office Location: FAC 242
515-271-1824
david.crabbs@drake.edu

David Crabbs is a distinguished classical guitar arranger, soloist, chamber musician, and recitalist. A graduate of Drake University, he also serves as a teacher at Drake.

Ambassador of Iowa Music

David was honored as an Ambassador of Music for the state of Iowa in 2000, 2004, and 2007. During these tours of Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, he captivated audiences with concerts both in cities and small Mayan villages -- bringing the spirit of classical guitar to diverse communities.

Soloist & Chamber Musician

A sought-after performer, Mr. Crabbs has appeared as a guest soloist in some of the most beloved works of the classical guitar repertoire:

• Joaquín Rodrigo's Concierto de Aranjuez, Concierto para Fantasía gentilhombre, and Concierto Andaluz performed with guitar quartet.
• Claude Bolling's Concerto for Classical Guitar and Jazz Piano in 2024.

He has been an integral part of the Iowa Guitar Quartet, performing around the state of Iowa. For nearly a decade, he has also contributed to the Heart of Iowa Classical Guitar Society, bringing concerts to Central Iowa and fostering the local classical guitar community.

Lifelong Learner & Masterclass Performer

David's dedication to his craft has led him to study privately with luminaries, including Pepe, Celin, and Celino Romero, Grisha Goryachev, and Scott Tennant. He has also performed in masterclasses led by the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet, Christopher Parkening, David Russell, Manuel Barrueco, Paul Galbraith, Odair Assad, Raphäella Smits, Fabio Zanon, and Xavier Díaz-Latorre. In 2019, he attended the Granada Guitar Festival in Spain, both performing and studying intensely.

Graduate Achievement

In spring 2025, David earned his Master's in Classical Guitar Interpretation from the University of Alicante in Spain. During his residency, he immerse himself in a rigorous, seven-days-a-week international musical environment, collaborating and performing alongside peers from around the world.

David continues to be a vibrant and influential musical presence -- bridging continents with his artistry, nurturing the next generation through teaching and performance, and enriching Iowa's cultural landscape through his service with the Heart of Iowa Classical Guitar Society.