Daniel Chiva Sanz

Born in Ludiente, Spain, Daniel Chiva Sanz began playing the double bass at the age of seven. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from the Salvador Seguí High Conservatory in Castellón, Spain. During this time, he studied privately with Matthew Baker and participated in masterclasses with renowned bassists, including Thierry Barbé, Alberto Bocini, François Rabbath, Bernard Cazauran, and Cedric Carlier. In 2017, Daniel attended the Round Top Music Festival in Texas, where he worked with James VanDemark and Brett Shurtliffe.

In 2019, Daniel moved to the United States to pursue graduate studies. He received his Master’s degree in 2021 from Southeastern Louisiana University as a student of Dr. John Madere. He continued his studies at the prestigious Frost School of Music at the University of Miami, where he served as a Teaching Assistant to Dr. Brian Powell. In 2024, Daniel completed his Doctor of Musical Arts degree, focusing on the forgotten Concerto No. 2 by Theodor A. Findeisen. His thesis includes a comprehensive study guide, a new chamber orchestra score (published by ProBass, Germany), and a piano and string quartet arrangement. Daniel’s recording of this concerto remains the only available version to date.

Alongside performance studies, Daniel studied composition under Dr. Stephen Suber and Dr. Charles Mason. His works for double bass are published by Recital Music (UK), ProBass (Germany), and Double Bass HQ (USA). He has also composed solo and chamber works for instruments such as cello, clarinet, trumpet, and bass trombone. His technique book, The School of Patience, introduces a new approach to left-hand fundamentals and intonation.

From 2021 to 2024, Daniel performed as a section player with the Punta Gorda Symphony and collaborated with ensembles like The Venice Symphony and Palm Beach Symphony in South Florida. He also dedicated time to teaching, managing a private studio, and serving as a Teaching Artist with the Miami Music Project, which follows the principles of El Sistema. Additionally, Daniel worked with Mind & Melody, an organization bringing music to seniors and individuals with dementia.

Daniel performs on a Lothar Semmlinger Salamanca model with a flamed poplar back, a tribute to the esteemed Spanish luthier Agustín Altimira.