What age did you begin playing a musical instrument?
Since I come from a family of drummers, I was exposed to drums and percussion from a very young age, but never studied methodically. When I was 14 years old I started studying with Alon Bor, who then was the principal percussionist of the IPO.

What age did you understand that you wish to pursue a musical career?
Towards finishing high school when I was 17.

Name an unforgettable moment with the IPO
While getting ready for the 3rd round of my audition to the IPO in 2004, Maestro Zubin Mehta walked on stage, and in front of all the seated musicians he called: “Please welcome Mr. Dan Moshayev”, and all the musicians stomped their feet as saying “welcome to the audition”. At that moment I was so shocked, that the one and only Zubin Mehta, called my name from his memory without any paper to read it from. After a couple years I learned that there is a routine in which the stage manager, right before Zubin walks on stage, whispers the name of the next candidate to his ear. But for me, being 18 years old at that time, it was an unforgettable moment! Of course afterwards many musicians came to me and gave me compliments, and I could also tell from Zubin Mehta’s body language that he was pleased as well.

What do you love to do off stage?
Teaching students, make homemade wine and beer, study the Torah, and try to run and exercise.

Which kind of music would we find on your playlist?
Lots of world music (Afro-Cuban, Brazilian, from center Asia, Balkan and more), jazz and classical of course.

Did you acquire any new skills during the pandemic?
I’m working on my patience levels with my kids at home!! I studied with my three kids every single day for several hours. It was challenging, but we learned how to build some structure to each one, so it would be interesting and enjoyable for everyone.