David Davis is a Minnesota-based band, orchestra, and general music educator committed to driving systemic change in music education. He has been recognized as a top 25 national semifinalist for the GRAMMY Music Educator Award, a 2023 Yamaha “40 Under 40” educator, and a semifinalist for the 2021 Minnesota Teacher of the Year. David uses research-based, culturally responsive methods to create inclusive learning experiences for each student, emphasizing student voice, project-based learning, improvisation, and non-standard ensembles that embrace any instrument and genre.
David advances anti-racism reform in the music education field through his leadership on the Minnesota Department of Education’s Culturally Responsive Arts cohort and his district’s curricular reform Music Design Team. His ideas are featured in Yamaha and ASCD publications and on Amro Music’s “After Hours” podcast. Beyond the classroom, he is an MEA Racial Equity Advocate, accomplished saxophonist, and serves on the boards of the Minnesota Music Educators Association (MMEA) and the Rock ‘n’ Read Project.
