Writer, Guitarist, Podcaster, & Producer.
The Musician & Producer
Dave Dougherty’s musical journey began in the school orchestra, where he played stand-up bass, but it truly took off when he discovered his dad’s acoustic guitar and old record collection. At just 16 years old, Dave recorded his debut album, Sometimes, All the Time, at the historic RCA Studio B in Nashville. This milestone marked the start of a lifelong dedication to music.
Throughout high school, Dave composed for full orchestra, arranged recital pieces for classmates, and performed across genres—from theater pit orchestras and jazz improv gigs to his rock instrumental shows. Touring with his high school orchestra across the Midwest and performing on the Minnesota Orchestra stage further cemented his passion for creating and performing music.
Dave’s studies at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee expanded his horizons, allowing him to explore music composition and technology. He composed pieces for orchestral, ensemble, and electronic settings, including works in 10.2 surround sound environments, and honed his skills in production, sound design, and 21st-century classical composition.
Since then, Dave has released three records, including Destinations and Piano Music, a collection of classical piano pieces. He continues composing, recording, and performing, blending his diverse influences—from Beethoven and Metallica to Philip Glass and Nine Inch Nails—into music that resonates across styles and audiences.
In addition to his music, Dave ran Beginning Guitar Online, a YouTube channel and website dedicated to helping new guitarists navigate the ocean of online content and build a strong foundation on the instrument. His approachable and practical teaching style has inspired countless budding musicians.
Dave’s latest endeavor, Enterprising Minds, is a podcast that combines his audio production, writing, and marketing strategy skills. Alongside two close friends, he explores digital marketing, creativity, productivity, and artificial intelligence, creating a space for thoughtful discussions and actionable insights.
Whether composing symphonies, teaching new guitarists, or diving into the future of creativity on his podcast, Dave Dougherty continues to channel his passion into projects that inspire and connect.
“Dave Dougherty is no doubt one of the best composers, writers, and musicians that I’ve met. He is a man of integrity and does great work on the projects that he undergoes.”
— Christopher Wiley - Executive Producer and Radio Host in Los Angeles, CA
Poet and Writer
Dave Dougherty’s writing journey began in high school, where crafting lyrics for his bands sparked an enduring love for storytelling. This passion grew as he pursued a Creative Writing degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where he joined the editorial staff of Furrow, the university's undergraduate literary magazine. His time there sharpened his skills as both a writer and an editor, and he was also published in the magazine.
In 2008, his poem Girls Wrestling appeared in B Squad Magazine, marking an early recognition of his raw and evocative style. After college, Dave’s writing evolved beyond poetry. He honed his craft through a diverse range of experiences, including copywriting and editing for websites, content marketing, and public relations work at a Twin Cities marketing and advertising agency. During this time, he ghostwrote blogs for plastic and cosmetic surgeons, balancing creative and technical writing to pay for his MBA in Business Communications from the University of St. Thomas’ Opus College of Business.
Dave’s professional expertise lies in bridging creativity and strategy. Over the years, he has crafted blogs, presentations, podcast scripts, video content, and social media campaigns that resonate with target audiences. His years of experience as a podcast writer, producer, and host highlight his ability to adapt storytelling to modern media.
In addition to his professional work, Dave is a dedicated lecturer and speaker. He has delivered guest lectures at institutions such as:
University of Minnesota – Twin Cities: Career Paths for English Majors Panel Discussion
University of St. Thomas – Marketing Next - Thriving in an AI World
University of St. Thomas – Creative Entrepreneurship - Audience Development
3M – Opportunities Through SEO & Content Marketing
Institute of Production and Recording (IPR) – Building an Audience and Monetizing Your Intellectual Property
Whether crafting sharp, evocative poetry, ghostwriting for niche industries, or guiding audiences through webinars and podcasts, Dave Dougherty’s writing reflects a unique blend of creativity, precision, and purpose. His ability to connect with audiences across formats and genres continues to shape his journey as a writer and storyteller.