David Nichtern

David Nichtern (born 19 February 1948) is an American songwriter and television composer, soundtrack artist and Buddhist teacher of the Shambala tradition of Chögyam Trungpa.

Biography Born and raised in Manhattan, Having begun practicing music at age eight, he began his career as a professional musician during his college years at Columbia University. He wrote the song "Midnight at the Oasis."

He has his own world/fusion band, Drala

Beginning in 1970, Nichtern became a student of the Shambhala Buddhist tradition of Tibetan Buddhism and was taught by the founder, Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche. Nichtern has since become a senior teacher.

The label's first release, the first installment of the Rare Elements series, included works by Sultan Khan remixed by modern artists, including Thievery Corporation.

Awards and nominations Nichtern was nominated for ten Daytime Emmy awards from 2000 to 2006, in the category "Outstanding Achievement in Music Direction and Composition for a Drama Series", for his work on One Life to Live and As the World Turns. He won the award in 2000 for One Life to Live, 2001 for As the World Turns and 2005 for One Life to Live. He was also nominated for a Grammy Award for Song of the Year for "Midnight at the Oasis."

Composing credits The Student Teachers (1973) White Line Fever (1975) Sapphire Man (1988) The Big Picture (1989) One Life to Live (1995–2007) As the World Turns

Soundtrack credits The Big Picture (1989) Perfect Witness (1989)