After receiving his B.S. degree in Music Education from Mankato State University, David launched his career as a music teacher in public school settings. He now has 30 years of teaching cello to his credit, the last 14 years at the John Duss Conservatory. David left Minnesota in 1973 for Louisiana, New Jersey and Virginia where he continued to teach and perform, in his spare time. He taught Cello and Violin, performed in local symphonies and ensembles, played for several operas and musicals, and sang in church choirs.

Shortly after his return to Duluth in 1955, David joined the Conservatory staff. He has accompanied the John Duss Choral Society and Twin Ports Women’s Chorale. David is a member of the Capriccio Piano Trio and the Stellar String Quartet. He has also played with John Vanella’s Cathedral Orchestra, the Duluth-Superior Symphony orchestra, and the Lake Superior chamber orchestra. He is currently the principle cellist with the UWS Chamber orchestra. Even with all his teaching and performing obligations, singing, writing, arranging music, and dancing remain a major part of his life. He incorporates many aspects of these creative endeavors into his cello playing, and in turn, into his teaching.

One of David’s goals in life is to pass on to his students the art and love of music and to share the delight of mastering all of the intricacies involved in playing the cello: bowing, fingering, reading, listening, tone color, dynamics, style, melody and so much more! So that something beautiful can be shared with others.

Over time, David Lewis has come to see and appreciate his music lessons, not so much as teaching sessions, but rather as learning situations for both the students and himself. Of his work he says, “My greatest joy is in teaching young people to celebrate music.”

David has played with Hamlin Event Musicians since 2003 and started at Hamlin Music Academy of independent teachers in May 2009.