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A pianist, composer - and surgeon - Adam Dachman is a unique presence in Madison's music scene
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By any standard, Adam Dachman is a successful musician. He has released four albums, and has composed and performed a vast body of music, which has been played in such venues as NBC's Today Show, ABC's Good Morning America, Hollywood Tonight, and Access Hollywood.
He has even published a children's book. Titled The Player Piano Mouse, it tells the story of "a mouse who longs to play the piano but is too small. She learns to chew holes in the paper rolls of player pianos and becomes famous as a composer of piano music at the turn of the 20th century."
What is startling is that music is not Dr. Dachman's primary occupation: He is also a practicing surgeon.
When asked how he found the time to be such a productive musician while practicing medicine, Dr. Dachman said, "I do it because I love it. I don’t rely on music for my income at the moment. I have had some successes above and beyond the average musician, and they were all self-directed."
Originally from Chicago, Dr. Dachman trained in classical piano during his childhood. As a teenager he studied jazz, and began composing his own music. "In college," he said, "I just played whatever was hot!" He worked as a musician-for-hire for several years after college before deciding to go to medical school. From then, until he completed his residency, Dr. Dachman - understandably - found little time for music. "I kind of shut down for a while," he said.
After settling in Madison, with a family in tow, he felt the urge to return to music. He even found that his career as a surgeon dovetailed nicely with his passion for music. "I feel like my music has been very important to my life as a doctor. My patients love the fact that I am also a musician." In 1998, Dr. Dachman released his first solo album, Echoes in the Canyon. He has since released two more albums, Center of My Heart and Keys of Hope.
On his website, Dr. Dachman lists a wide range of influences, including Jim Brickman, Chick Corea, Elton John and Hans Zimmer. Listening to his compositions reveals his versatility and inventive orchestration.
Adam Dachman can be heard every Tuesday night at Lilana's restaurant in Fitchburg, 2951 Triverton Pike. Originally performing solo, he recently assembled a trio, consisting of bassist Patrick Bodell and drummer Matt Krueger.
Dr. Dachman said he could see himself retiring from medicine eventually, and pursuing music full-time. Until then, he will somehow continue to find time for both. "For me it's been pure passion," he said. "I've made music from the heart."
Check out Matt Jordan's other article from this week.
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