First studies in piano with his mother Blanche Nolte Patterson
B.A. Washington University, theory and composition with Robert Wykes
Ph.D. Harvard University, analysis and composition with Leon Kirchner
Harmony and counterpoint with Nadia Boulanger, Paris and Fontainebleau
Cours d’analyse with Olivier Messiaen, Paris Conservatory

Professor of Music, Chairman for 15 years in the Performing Arts Department and Recipient of a Distinguished Teaching Award at the University of Massachusetts Boston

Fulbright Scholar, Universidad de las Américas-Puebla, Cholula Mexico
Reviewer, The Boston Musical Intelligencer: E-journal of the classical music scene in Boston

Executive Secretary and Trustee for Lili Boulanger Memorial Fund, Inc.

Compositions of David Patterson are often described as “simple but not simple,” “a clear and natural blending of many different kinds of music.” His music ranges from an annotated collection for beginners, 20 Little Piano Pieces From Around the World, published by G. Schirmer to Isle of Hope, a choral setting of the well-known text by Emma Lazarus, commissioned for the Ellis Island Medal of Honor Awards Interfaith Prayer Service held at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, New York City.

“His preludes derive their inspiration partly from jazz…partly from old hymns.” --New York Times. Toshiuki Shimada and the Portland Symphony Orchestra gave the U.S. premiere of Strayhorn in Harlem, VMM label, in the orchestra’s tribute to Duke Ellington.

Spin, published by Falls House Press, was commissioned for the Pappousakis Flute Competition held annually in Boston. Beaver Moon and Blue Pop were composed for and published by James Pellerite, Native American flutist.