David Wong

SJW is happy to welcome back bassist David Wong to the 2026 faculty. David is a beloved teacher with years of experience at summer jazz programs such as SJW, Centrum, and the Skidmore Jazz Institute, as well as his year-round teaching at the New School, Queens College, and Temple University.

David’s mastery of the acoustic bass is remarkable, which combined with the wealth of experience he’s accumulated working with the world’s great jazz artists makes him an invaluable resource to anyone wishing to improve their jazz playing and to rise to a professional level of musicianship.

David was a longtime member of Roy Haynes’ celebrated Fountain of Youth band, touring throughout the United States, Europe, and Japan until Haynes’ passing. He has also served as bassist for the Heath Brothers quartet, led by jazz icons Jimmy Heath and Albert “Tootie” Heath. In addition, Wong is frequently heard performing with vocalist Sachal Vasandani and pianist Jeb Patton.

David tours the world regularly, and he has performed and/or recorded with Hank Jones, Roy Haynes, Jimmy Heath, Albert “Tootie” Heath, the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, Benny Green, Russell Malone, Brian Lynch, Jim Rotondi, George Coleman, Keny Burrell, Illinois Jacquet, Lou Donaldson, Barry Harris, Slide Hampton, Andy Bey, Bill Charlap, Wynton Marsalis, Terrell Stafford, Eric Reed, and many others.