David Upham

Dr. David Upham serves as Associate Professor of Music Education and Director of Orchestral Activities at the University of New Hampshire, concurrently founding the UNH Youth Symphony Orchestras and leading the Great Bay Philharmonic Orchestra. His career includes prior conducting roles with the Bainbridge Symphony Orchestra and Seattle-based ensembles.

Education:

• B.A. in Music from Luther College
• M.M. in Conducting from the University of Northern Colorado
• D.M.A. in Conducting from the University of Washington

Dr. Upham specializes in orchestral music education across all levels, with concentrated expertise in string instrument pedagogy and conductor training. His research drives practical applications through the UNH Youth Symphony program, which simultaneously trains local schoolchildren in string performance and provides UNH students with supervised teaching experience in public-school orchestra settings.

As an active clinician, Dr. Upham mentors music education students through hands-on supervision in the Youth Symphony program and national festival appearances. His leadership extends to curriculum development in string methods, orchestral rehearsal techniques, and graduate conducting courses.

Dr. Upham directs multiple institutional ensembles including the UNH Symphony Orchestra and Youth Symphony Orchestras, while maintaining community partnerships through the Great Bay Philharmonic Orchestra to bridge academic and public music performance.