David Salkowski

David Salkowski serves as Assistant Professor of Musicology at the University of North Florida. A Lewis & Clark College alumnus (BA '14 in Music and Russian Studies), he completed his PhD in Musicology at Princeton University in 2021, specializing in Russian musical traditions following formative experiences in Saint Petersburg.

Education:

• BA in Music and Russian Studies, Lewis & Clark College, 2014
• PhD in Musicology, Princeton University, 2021
• Study Abroad: Saint Petersburg, Russia

His research centers on Russian music with deep specialization in Orthodox choral traditions, directly inspired by a pivotal 2010 concert at Saint Petersburg's Church of the Savior on the Spilled Blood. His doctoral work examines cultural intersections of music, religion, and Russian identity, informed by Fulbright-funded research in Saint Petersburg (2018-2019). Salkowski champions humanities as non-instrumentalized learning, advocating for scholarship as a humane practice rooted in liberal arts values.

Awards:

• Fulbright Grant (2018-2019)

As an educator, Salkowski emphasizes mentorship modeled after Lewis & Clark faculty like Aaron Beck, focusing on student-centered pedagogy and holistic development. His teaching philosophy integrates performance experience (orchestra/wind symphony), language expertise (Russian), and community engagement from his Portland arts scene immersion. He aims to transmit the transformative liberal arts education he received, prioritizing intellectual freedom over vocational training.