Dave Kaufman began playing guitar when he was 17 years old. He started as a music major at the University of Illinois (Urbana) and began writing songs after graduation. He received training at the famed Old Town School of Folk Music (Chicago), eventually was on their board of directors and taught guitar there. He attended the Kerrville Music Festival for songwriters for several years.

For over fifteen years, Dave and his Dave Kaufman Band played originals and cover tunes at many different venues around the midwest but primarily at the Willow on Wagner in Glenview, Illinois until its closing in 2004.

Dave lives part of the year in Tortola, British Virgin Islands where he performs at many local island clubs and private parties. He keeps a sailboat in Nanny Cay Marina where there is also alot of music activity in addition to cruising.