David Denniston is a premier French Hornist, highly sought-after commercial theater musician, and acclaimed pedagogue based in Metro Detroit. Holding a Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Michigan, David currently serves as Principal Horn of the Oakland Symphony, Principal Horn for Detroit’s Fisher Theater, and Applied Faculty at Oakland University. With an extensive career that includes performing under legendary conductors like Leonard Bernstein and Seiji Ozawa, touring nationally with blockbuster Broadway productions, and backing world-class pops artists, David brings rare versatility and elite artistry to the stage and studio. As an instructor, his student-centered approach has guided aspiring hornists to full-scholarship placements at the nation’s most prestigious music conservatories.
Biography
Dr. David Denniston is an accomplished French Hornist, orchestral performer, and dedicated educator with over three decades of professional experience across symphony halls, commercial theater pits, and academic studios. Known for his technical security, musical adaptability, and warm tone, David has established himself as one of the premier brass musicians in the Midwest.
Currently serving as Principal Horn of the Oakland Symphony and Principal Horn at Detroit’s historic Fisher Theater, David’s extensive performance record covers virtually every major stage in Michigan. His resume includes appearances with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Detroit Opera (formerly Michigan Opera Theatre), Grand Rapids Symphony, and many others. On the commercial stage, David has toured internationally and nationally with iconic productions, including The Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables, and Billy Elliot, alongside performing in pit orchestras for major shows like Wicked, The Lion King, and The Wizard of Oz. Throughout his career, he has had the privilege of performing under world-renowned conductors such as Leonard Bernstein, Kurt Masur, and Seiji Ozawa.
Beyond the stage, Dr. Denniston is a nationally recognized pedagogue. As Applied Faculty at Oakland University’s School of Music, he coaches undergraduate and graduate horn studios, leads chamber ensembles, and conducts weekly repertory classes. His private teaching studio is widely celebrated for its transformative results; David’s patient, technique-focused instruction has mentored young hornists to scholarship acceptances at elite music programs nationwide, including the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, Northwestern University, Peabody Institute, Oberlin Conservatory, and the University of Michigan.
David holds a Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Michigan, a Master of Music from Brigham Young University, and a Bachelor of Music from the Manhattan School of Music, where he was also the first horn player ever accepted into their specialized Orchestra Performance Program. An active advocate for working musicians, David has served on the Executive Board of the Detroit Federation of Musicians (Local 5 AFM) and maintains memberships in the International Horn Society and College Music Society.
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Music Styles: Classical, Orchestral, Chamber, Broadway, Commercial.
Event Types: Orchestral, chamber, Broadway, commercial, solo performing engagements. Available for lessons, master classes and clinics.
