Dave Valentin started playing Latin percussion at the age of five and began performing professionally at the age of eleven. At the late age of sixteen he picked up the flute for the first time. He was trained at the High School of Music and Art. He then studied at the Bronx Community College majoring in Liberal Arts. Dave has studied with Hubert Laws, Harold Bennett and Harold Jones.

Dave went back to work at his old junior high after school program called "Change through Music." He taught Latin Jazz to the inner city kids, and was able to involve gang members in this program, giving back to his community. He accepted a position as a full-time professor teaching Latin and music for several years. His work and dedication influenced many children to continue their education. Dave feels very proud to be a part of what they have accomplished, and continues to visit, talk, and play with them to keep inspiring and motivating them to a higher level of education. Dave has become an extraordinary role model, and feels it is up to people in his position to make a change.

Dave plays in a versatile jazz style, marked by nimble insistent syncopation of a rocking salsa laced with tropical mystery and played on a variety of ethnic and classical flutes. His unorthodox technique emphasizes the percussive side of flute playing. His playing comes from the heart and the spirit of an international culture, a combination of Brazilian, R&B, salsa, meringue, Latin, funk, and jazz. Early in his career, there was not a market for Latin jazz, but he broke ground and prejudice, creating a niche for himself.

Throughout his travels in different countries and ethnic communities, Dave has collected many flutes, most of which he travels with and uses at his performances. Some of the flutes he uses are from; Africa, Japan, Venezuela, Peru, Ecuador, Brazil, and the American Indian. In his shows he plays them and explains the significance to the culture of origin. This gives his students and the public a much better understanding of the wonderful instrument he plays.

Dave remains a very active performer and recording artist continually recording new releases.