David Espinosa: HIM’s Very Own Piano Man

With his portable keyboard safely stashed in his dorm room, David often brings out his electric keys to bring musical life to the halls of HIM. Hailing from Spain, David is a passionate and very talented pianist that has been playing for over 23 years. SEG sat down with David to learn more about how he has combined his musical vocation with his hospitality studies (for David, a logical mix).

SEG: How do you balance your time between playing piano and studying?
DE: Well that is one of the great things about studying hospitality – it still leaves room to pursue your passions! In addition to playing for fun at school, I give private lessons and perform during special events in the region. But the majority of my time is spent playing piano on the weekends at the Grand Hotel Du Lac in Vevey, Switzerland. Here I play Friday and Saturday evenings in the piano bar and perform during the Sunday brunch for the guests of the Hotel.

SEG: How did you land your current role with the Grand Hotel Du Lac?
DE: As I was brand new to Switzerland I didn’t have a network established so with my resumes in-hand, I went door to door seeking work as a pianist. I am very happy for the opportunity to work at the Grand Hotel du Lac, it is an incredible atmosphere that for me is a balanced mix between palace and boutique hotel. There is luxury at every glance but it still remains intimate and comfortable.

SEG: What does the future hold for you?
DE: No question, it will be playing the piano! The piano is my passion, my vocation and definitely my future.

SEG: How do you plan to combine your hospitality degree with your passion for the piano?
DE: One of my dreams is to one day open my own hotel because it’s always better to play the piano in your own hotel than in someone else’s!

SEG: Why did you choose to study at HIM?
DE: Switzerland has an incredible reputation in my home country, Spain. And the region of Montreux is the most beautiful in the whole country. It is very important to live in a good environment and Switzerland is a country that has met my expectations in every way.

SEG: What is the best part about studying hospitality at HIM?
DE: Well, I will say up front that the culinary aspect is definitely not for me but there are so many other interesting facets to the industry. I think the best part is the ambience of the school. The staff and teachers create such a positive learning environment that adds to the overall well-rounded experience of being a hospitality student.

SEG: If you had your piano in front of you right this minute what would you play for your classmates passing by?
DE: Hmmm probably a Spanish Bolero.

Armed with talent, charm and a strong education – it is clear that a bright future is in store for Mr. David Espinosa.