David Russell

David Russell is the Anne R. Belk Distinguished Professor of Violin at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Previously, he served at The Cleveland Institute of Music for 24 years and held visiting roles at Oberlin College Conservatory of Music. He founded and directs the Mountaintop Mastercourse for Violin in Elizabethtown, NY. Russell has been a faculty member at prestigious institutions like Meadowmount School of Music, ENCORE School for Strings, and Keshet Eilon International Violin Mastercourse. He has served as a distinguished jury member at international competitions in Switzerland, Argentina, and the U.S.

His research interests focus on violin pedagogy and performance, with a commitment to preserving musical heritage through initiatives like the North American premiere of 'Violins of Hope-Charlotte,' showcasing Holocaust-era violins. Russell has performed with renowned orchestras such as the Charlotte Symphony and collaborated with artists like Shlomo Mintz.

He has mentored students who now hold prominent roles in orchestras (e.g., The Cleveland Orchestra) and academia. His contributions to music education and performance have been recognized through his distinguished professorship and global masterclass engagements.