Photo Via Fredonia.edu
David Rose, an associate professor at SUNY Fredonia, brings his expertise to the Music Department.
This expertise stems from many years of professional experience, along with a passion for teaching prior to coming to Fredonia.
Before making his way to campus, Rose had quite the professional career. He performed with renowned orchestras, including the San Francisco Symphony and Vancouver Symphony, holding roles that highlighted his skill and dedication as a violist.
Now, his focus lies in shaping the next generation of musicians, inspiring them to not just play, but to love music.
Originally from the city of Regina, Saskatchewan, Rose began his musical pursuits at a young age through a Suzuki violin program. He said it sparked when he answered the phone at age 4.
“A man called my house and asked if anyone wanted to take violin lessons,” he remembered. “I answered immediately that I would very much not like to do that. I waited about 20 seconds, and changed my mind!”
Rose’s relationship with music evolved quickly. By age 11, he switched to playing the viola, which is the instrument he most utilizes in his career now.
Although he faced challenges in his academic life, he found a natural connection to music and playing.
This connection supported him all the way to pursuing higher education at the University of British Columbia and Indiana University.
“Music chose me,” he reflects. “I practiced viola all the time. My GPA was not very good, and my options were limited. But I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.”
As of late, Rose is inquiring about a new project: performing Johann Sebastian Bach’s cello suites. Performing this is something near and dear to his heart, as it speaks to his personal connection to music and its history.
“It’s not only Bach that excites me, but sheltering under the same musical tree that has nourished the major influences in my life,” he said.
For Rose, Bach offers a sense of nourishment and grounding. Playing Bach’s music is a way to connect with past teachers, mentors and musicians who have also embraced these works.
Rose admits that excitement might not even be the right word to describe how he feels about playing the suites, but that he feels a “personal assurance” that playing Bach’s music will “nourish others as it has nourished me.”
When asked if he has ever written or composed anything of his own, Rose was quick to explain how he truly felt. “No! I have no desire to create my own music,” he said, explaining his preference for playing the music of composers before him.
To him, performers play an important role in keeping these pieces alive, giving life to notes that might otherwise have been forgotten.
Rose truly enjoys his time on campus, working with various students.
He appreciates being able to work on building students’ talents, helping them progress on things beyond just their music.
As Rose continues his time in Fredonia, he remains passionate about performing, teaching and nurturing students’ abilities.
While in the process of preparing to perform this timeless piece, Rose considered canceling due to doubts about his performance.
He, of course, kept at it, and this determination shares an important message for students.
“If we all waited until we [were] ready to do something, nothing would ever happen.”
His advice for students is clear — work hard and embrace imperfection. In his words, “Perfection will not be found on this side of heaven, and that is a good thing to remember.”