Samuel has been appointed assistant professor of viola at the university’s Blair School of Music
The Vanderbilt University, Blair School of Music in Nashville, TN, has announced the appointment of David Samuel as assistant professor of viola.
’I am beyond excited to have the privilege to work with the world-class community of faculty and students at Vanderbilt University Blair School of Music,’ said Samuel. ’It’s a dream to be able to teach at such an incredible institution.’
Previous educational appointments for Samuel include teaching at San Francisco State University, the University of Augkland in New Zealand, and San Francisco Conservatory of Music Pre-College. He has presented educational concerts and workshops globally and works with a newly founded nonprofit, ASQ Chamber Music Projects, which brings chamber music education to schools and community organisations.
Samuel was the founding violist of the Afiara Quartet. During his eight-year tenure with the ensemble, he performed in over 400 concerts worldwide, with the ensemble garnering accolades such as being the inaugural recipients of the Young Canadian Musicians Award, and top prize triumphs at the ARD International Music Competition in Munich, the Banff International String Quartet Competition, and the Concert Artists Guild Competition.
In 2021, Samuel joined the Alexander Quartet, which earlier this year announced its retirement following its 2025 season. He has previously served as associate principal viola of the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra. He was formerly a member of the Ensemble MidtVest in Denmark, and has collaborated with musicians including Sergio Azzolini, James Campbell, Colin Carr, Robert Mann, Michael Tree, Jörg Widmann, Pinchas Zukerman, and members of the Emerson and Juilliard quartets.
Samuel attended The Juilliard School where he earned BM and MM degrees, and an artist diploma. He also holds an artist certificate from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. His principal teachers were Paul Hersh, Henry Janzen, Michael Tree, and Karen Tuttle.
Read: Telegraph Quartet to take up residency at the University of Michigan
Read: Semi-finalists announced for the 2024 Oskar Nedbal International Viola Competition
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