Dr. David Johnston

David began studying the violin at the age of nine and performed with the Idyllwild Youth Orchestra through high school including a tour of Great Britain. After attending the Mozarteum in Salzburg, Austria earning Diplomas in Violin Performance, Chamber Music and Conducting, he completed his course work for the Doctorate of Musical Arts (DMA) at the University of Southern California under Alice Shoenfeld as well as a Heifitz Master Class.

He has taught children as young as three as well as adults and postgraduate students. He has played concerts in Europe, Australia, Southeast Asia and the US including a performance of the Bach Double with Yehudi Menuhin. He has conducted numerous orchestras for events such as the annual International Christian Celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem. His background also includes playing for entertainers such as Sammy Davis Jr., Perry Como, Jerry Lewis and The Carpenters. He served as President and founder of Excelsia College (formerly, Wesley Institute) in Sydney, Australia, granting internationally recognized undergraduate and post-graduate degrees. He comes to LSMA from San Francisco where he served as Superintendent of Highlands Christian Schools.

He has a passion for working with children. He believes that inspiring a child is one of the essential ingredients in motivating practice that results in progress on the instrument. Opportunities for performance and group musical interaction are also essential to musical development. Studies involving motor skills, note reading and musical interpretation are scientifically proven in promoting development of the brain. He uses teaching violin as an opportunity to foster integration of self-discipline and character development. Most children score higher academically who study musical instruments.