David Theak was the first musician to receive a Master of Music (jazz performance) from the University of Sydney. As a performer David has led his group theak-tet on tours of Australia and Europe including performances at many of Germany and Scandinavia's world class jazz venues. He has been featured on dozens of Australian albums including Steve Hunter’s Nine Lives released nationally through ABC records, theak-tet's Yellow Glasses (1999) and Gamla Stan (2003 Jazzhead).

A finalist in the 2002 National Jazz Awards, David is also a widely respected composer whose compositions are often heard on national radio and TV.

In 2001 and 2002 David lived in Germany where he performed with German Hammond organ virtuoso Barbara Dennerlein (Verve) at festivals and clubs around Europe.

Recently David has founded the Jazzgroove Mothership Orchestra, a 17 piece band featuring artists such as Phil Slater, Roger Mannins, Matt McMahon, James Muller and Gerard Masters playing compositions by Mike Nock, Sean Wayland, David Theak, Gerard Masters and Simon Sweeney.