David Polakoff began playing the piano at the age of 6 and picked up trumpet at the age of 10. He attended high school at the prestigious, Grammy-winning JP Taravella High School in Coral Springs, FL. In 2001 he was one of only two freshmen in the last decade to secure a spot in the world-renowned JPT Wind Orchestra. Throughout high school, David played in marching band, concert band, jazz band, fusion band, and symphony orchestra. In 2004, he took part as the JPT Wind Orchestra was one of just 12 nationwide bands that attended the Bands of America National Concert Band Festival. In 2005, he marched with the JPT Marching Band in the London New Years Day Parade. His time at JPT also saw Superior ratings at state festivals for concert band, jazz band, and brass choirs, as well as an appearance on the NBC Today Show with Al Roker. During his high school career, the music program at JPT was bestowed with the honor of being named a Grammy Signature School for Excellence in Music Education.

David obtained his Masters degree in education from the University of Florida in 2011. His band, Superfish, has played over a dozen shows around Gainesville, including back to back weekend engagements at Common Grounds and another show at Common Grounds as the hand-picked opening band for the Chris McCarty Band. In March, 2010, David and Superfish played at the second annual Harvest of Hope Fest in St. Augustine, FL, with nearly 200 other bands. Superfish spawned a jazz combo, SPF4, that can now be found gigging around town. He has also played with reggae sensation Litez Out, the Lu White Combo, the Red Rocket Big Band, the UF Jazz Band, and Little Jake Mitchell and the Soul Searchers.