David R. Hays

David R. Hays is a Professor in the Department of Music at Missouri State University, where he serves as String Area Coordinator and Graduate Advisor. He holds a DMUS and MM from Northwestern University and a BM from Indiana University. His teaching responsibilities include violin instruction at all levels, chamber ensemble coaching, and specialized courses in string pedagogy and literature.

Hays maintains active research interests in violin performance (modern and baroque), chamber music, and string pedagogy. As a professional violinist, he has performed with orchestras including the Minnesota Orchestra and Chicago Symphony. He has extensive chamber music experience with groups like the Fry Street Quartet (Banff Competition finalist) and the Hawthorne Trio, performing internationally across the US, Europe, and Asia. His baroque violin work includes collaborations with Minstrelsy!, Temple of Apollo, and the Newberry Consort.

His pedagogical contributions include 15 summers at Northwestern University's National High School Music Institute and faculty appointments at the Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute. Currently, he serves as concertmaster of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, performing concertos by composers like Beethoven, Mozart, and Sarasate globally.

• Faculty Excellence in Public Affairs Award (2013)
• Collegiate Educator of the Year, Missouri ASTA (2008)
• College Teaching Award, College of Arts and Letters (2002)