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About
I have a very unusual background in music. Besides my many years of karaoke experience, both in front of and behind the equipment, I have 40+ years of serious classical training through the graduate degree level as a performer and composer, plus all kinds of gigs as a rock and wedding band keyboardist. I combine all of that experience in just about every genre of music imaginable with humor, a sense of real enjoyment, and a desire to make everyone comfortable next to a microphone.
I have really enjoyed the opportunity to work with what I love most in life - music. Also, and more importantly, getting to see people who are shy, nervous, or aren't great singers develop self-confidence in front of a room full of people. That's how karaoke can actually change someone's life!
Overview
Hired 145 times
Background checked
1 employee
17 years in business
Business hours
This pro hasn't listed their business hours.
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Apple Pay, Cash, Check, Credit card, Google Pay, PayPal, Square cash app, Venmo, and Zelle.
Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.
2019
2017
2016
Services offered
Event Size
Basic (e.g., under 25 guests, small venue, standard equipment)
Standard (e.g., under 50 guests, small venue, standard equipment)
Premium (e.g., under 75 guests, corporate or wedding event, medium venue, professional equipment)
High-end (e.g., over 75 guests, corporate or wedding event, medium/large venue, professional equipment)
Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews
Customers rated this pro highly for professionalism, punctuality, and work quality.
Excellent 4.9
76 reviews
5
92%
4
7%
3
0%
2
0%
1
1%
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Read reviews that mention:
Nancy H.
Dec 17, 2015
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Dave did a great job setting the karaoke system up and explaining how it works. He was very nice to work with. Everything worked perfectly and our party was a blast! I would definitely recommend Dave!
Karaoke Machine Rental
Stacie G.
Aug 10, 2015
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Hired on Thumbtack
It was great working with Dave. He responded very quickly to any questions I had. Dave arrived on time to set up, and thoroughly went over how to use the karaokemachine. The karaokemachine was a big hit at our event. We had so much fun. I highly recommend Dave the Karaoke Guy!!!!
Karaoke Machine Rental
Kate S.
May 2, 2016
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Hired on Thumbtack
Dave was punctual, professional, and very supportive in teaching our team how to operate the equipment. We had a ton of fun and the song selection left nothing to be desired. We would absolutely use his services again and recommend them to anyone looking for a high quality karaoke experience! Thanks Dave!
Karaoke Machine Rental
Andrew L.
Aug 10, 2014
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Hired on Thumbtack
I rented the basic karaokemachine from Dave for my 40th birthday party. Dave was great to work with - he provided extra songs that I requested, completed the full set up of the equipment, and gave me thorough instructions on how to use it. He communicated well throughout the rental process. He will be my first call next time I have a karaoke themed celebration.
Karaoke Machine Rental
Kristen G.
Nov 13, 2015
•
Hired on Thumbtack
I rented a karoke machine from Dave for an office party of about 30 people. We had a blast! Dave was super fast to respond to messages, was on time and speedy with set-up, and flexible with pickup time. The equipment was easy to operate and worked seamlessly. Thanks Dave!!!
Karaoke Machine Rental
Credentials
Background Check
David Gaines
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
Pricing varies and depends on whether you want to rent a small system to operate yourself OR hire me as a KJ to run my professional, computer-based system for you:
*FOR RENTALS*
(rental service area = within 20 miles of Zip code 20848)
I have packages with fixed rental fees starting at $169.95 (plus applicable sales tax). Deliveries for rentals are free (please note that I only provide rentals within 20 miles of Rockville 20848). There are additional charges if the rental involves my driving during DC weekday rush hours.
*FOR KJ (Karaoke DJ) BOOKINGS*
My KJ fees start at $400 and are based on how many hours your event will last, how far the venue is from my home, if a holiday is involved, how much equipment I need to bring, how many people will be attending, the venue's load-in requirements, time of year, etc. There are many variables so it's best to visit my website. Click on the KJ QUOTE tab on the menu bar at the top, and fill out the form you'll be taken to as completely as you can so I can quickly send you an accurate quote.
Please note that I don't provide KJ fee quotes over the phone.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I like to get as much information about your event as possible so that I know exactly how much gear to bring. We can email back and forth or chat on the phone, or text - whichever you're most comfortable with! I'm also happy to arrange a brief, free site visit to your home or to the venue if you're close to Rockville to go over the event logistics - whether your event is a small home birthday party or a large corporate function at a hotel!
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
40+ years of hands-on professional and semi-professional experience with all aspects of music creation, production, and performance in genres ranging from classical and folk music to rock and jazz to electronic music.
*Bachelor of Music (theory & composition), Northwestern University School of Music
*Master of Arts (music composition), American University Dept. of Performing Arts
*Doctor of Musical Arts (composition), Johns Hopkins University Peabody Conservatory of Music
