“I have known Dave Möschler for almost 20 years. He is a very fine conductor who has a natural affinity for leading, teaching, and inspiring people in making music that matters.
From musical theatre to classical genres to his innovative work with Awesöme Orchestra projects, Dave is a versatile, sensitive musician who approaches every project with honesty, humility, and a great deal of musical style.
Truly, he is one of my favorite people and artists - and one of the beautiful souls of this world.”
— David B. Weiller (Associate Professor Emeritus & Director of Choral Studies School of Music, 1984-2021 University of Nevada, Las Vegas)
“The Bay Area Cultural Community is a stronger one due to the work and heart of David Möschler.
He is one of the most collaborative cultural curators I know in the Bay Area. One of the first people I turn to when I need to dream up a vision.
David Möschler is a heart-centered music professional who is walking the walk in terms of authentically cultivating Bay Area Arts and Culture.”
— Lyz Luke (Executive Director of Living Jazz)
“I have often described David Moschler as the top musical Director and conductor in the Bay. After working around the world, and now on Broadway, I can safely say he is one of the top artists I know, period.
His technical ability, personal community of over 1000 musicians, and acclaim, are all readily evident with a quick Google search. What is not captured until you work with the man is the incredible artistry, thoughtfulness, and detailed, holistic approach that spans everything he touches.
From dramaturgy, to the pieces he chooses to work on, to the incredible communities he builds and holds space for, Dave is an unparalleled musician, storyteller, and collaborator. I would not rather work with any other artist.”
— Amy Marie Haven (Creative Producer, Director, Filmmaker)
“Dave Möschler is a unique kind of conductor; whose approach to making music fuses his wellspring of knowledge of the art with the utmost care for the musicians he leads. Under his leadership one feels an infectious sense of discovery; you feel the need to delve deeper into the music, to uncover its mysteries. Each rehearsal, each show, each moment is an adventure.
I can say without hesitation that Dave is among the best conductors, musicians, and people that I have had the honor to know, one whose ability and fastidiousness places him in the highest echelon of professionalism and musicality.
A vital force in Bay Area music, and a champion for equity and diversity in the field, Dave is a true artist; one whose muse is the people he makes music with.”
— Jay Maddox (multi-instrumentalist, teaching artist, Kreatur Komforts)
“Dave is a mission-driven and visionary leader that truly practices what he preaches in support of matters of diversity, equity, and inclusion within the field of performing arts.
His work as the music director and founder of the Awesome Orchestra Collective reflects a very diverse landscape of programing and guest artists.
His kind heart, immense love for music, and generosity is palpable by every musician and every artist he works with at every performance and at every rehearsal.”
— Dr. Sixto F. Montesinos Jr. (Conductor and Assistant Professor of Music, St. Mary’s College, CA)
“What sets Dave apart is his focus on relationships and human connection while producing and performing music.
He has an ocean of academic and technical proficiency to draw from but he also understands music doesn’t live in notation and theory books -- it lives in the people who perform it, the audiences that come to hear it, and the experiences created and shared among everyone who participates.
This understanding is, by my estimation, deep and vital to not only making the best music but the best experiences. That genuine love of people and community is what motivates his herculean work ethic and I feel fortune any time I get to collaborate with him and call him a friend.”
— Kiefo Nilsson (bassist, vocalist, producer of Nilsson Sings Nilsson)
“I hired Dave as our music director in the summer of 2010 to work with me on a risky show that was enormous and filled with difficulties. I had been searching for a long time before that for a partner in the work I do at YMTC, which produces professional musical theater while training the young people who are on stage.
I wanted a stellar musician with impeccable artistic sensibilities. Someone passionate and knowledgeable about musical theater, both well-trained and experienced in the professional world of theater; someone who could be a true leader of an orchestra and a cast, both artistically and personally. But I also wanted a teacher. I wanted someone who would love young people, who would have the heart and the patience to work with young artists, meet them where they were at whatever level, and push them towards excellence.
I found all this in Dave. Since that summer, I have worked with him on nine consecutive main-stage productions and several workshops as well. In the fall of 2011, we hired brought him on as our first Resident Musical Director. I count myself among the lucky directors to work with him.”
— Jennifer Boesing (Producing Artistic Director YMTC Bay Area)
“Playing under Dave’s musical direction is always fulfilling. He brings his unwavering passion for the artistic integrity of each project to the podium every single time.
During those magical moments in live theater when the unexpected happens, his calm and secure presence makes all of the difference in enabling us as musicians to adapt to the moment as one.”
— Christina Owens Walton (concertmaster Oakland Civic Orchestra)
“David has many strengths as a musical director but the one that really stood out to me in our production of Spring Awakening was his attention to detail as a vocal director and bandleader.
Whether it was clarity or dynamics he was looking for, getting just the right tempo, rocking out or dropping back, David was calmly unrelenting in his pursuit of getting it all just right.”
— Michael Butler (Artistic Director Center REPertory Company 2005–2020)
“Dave is an outstanding music director, conductor, teacher, and colleague, and I have been honored to work with him in all those roles. In addition to his formidable technical skills, he possesses an astonishing wealth of knowledge about orchestral and musical theater repertoire and history, which he dispenses with such passion and generosity that it’s impossible not to feel inspired working with him.
No matter the circumstances—less experienced performers, short rehearsal time, windy outdoor venue, whatever—Dave maintains high standards of excellence, both musically and interpersonally. He continues to teach me what it means to be a leader.”
— Sheela Ramesh (Broadway music director, pianist, composer)
“I was kindly introduced to Dave by some very dear theater friends during the pandemic. I had heard and was well-aware of his supreme musicianship and artistry, but what struck me the most was that he is an extremely kind and caring soul who wants to get to know you as a person.
Sometimes we get so caught up in the work that we lose the significance of the person, and I am so inspired by Dave's genuine interest in connecting with people. He has graciously brought me onto projects at YMTC and with his incredible Awesöme Orchestra Collective.
I, now, look to see where Dave is doing art and I try to ask myself, "how can I be involved with what he's doing?"
— Dr. Phillip Harris (vocalist, music director, teaching artist)
“David Möschler is a superb conductor. We worked together on the music I wrote for the silent film Ramona, by D.W. Griffiths.
The piece was not easy, requiring a lot of old school conducting-while-looking-at-the-screen skills (without a click track), in the spirit of Carl Stallings cartoon soundtracks.
He did a wonderful job, the synchronization was always perfect and the concert was a great success.”
— Pablo Ortiz (composer and Professor of Music, University of California at Davis)
“Aside from his aptitude as a conductor and musical director, I loved working with Dave Möschler because of his ability to create a safe and inclusive environment that empowers artists to truly enjoy creating as a collective.
The artistic world is so often competitive and isolating, it's refreshing to see someone strive to create a sense a community around the shared love of making art."
— ONIKHO (vocalist, composer, record producer)
“Recently, I played violin for the band in the musical Spring Awakening under the musical direction of David Möschler. I find him to be one of the best musical directors I have ever worked with. He is committed to making each musical the absolute best it can be. He will do whatever it takes to bring the musicians and the singers to their highest level of performance.
Dave goes above and beyond the basic duties of a musical director. During Spring Awakening he was so dedicated to having an authentic sound that he purchased a 1930s era harmonium with his own money. He directed the band, and the singers while playing piano, harmonium and guitar. He did so flawlessly and had the entire musical memorized!
Dave is also an extremely organized individual. He secured the band months before the run of the show, got the music to us well in advance and was always available for questions and/or concerns in an extremely timely manner.
Not only is Dave a wonderful musician and director but an outstanding human being. He treats his musicians and cast with the utmost respect. He has the ability to demand the best with diplomacy. If you are looking for an outstanding musician and musical director, you cannot go wrong with Dave.”
— Kerry Borgen (violinist and founder of Musical Heart Strings)
“Dave is fabulous to work with, so collegial, so knowledgeable, so completely prepared, both with the score and with the history and authorial intentions of the writers. I’ve worked with him on a good half-dozen musicals at the College Light Opera Company in Falmouth, MA, and a number more when he was an associate conductor.
One of them, Carousel, we had several conferences before we even arrived in Falmouth, talking about the way the text and the score weave together, the way the show is looking for reality in a kind of mythic world. We knew ahead of time that “Soliloquy” was going to be a killer. When we began rehearsals, Dave wanted to be present for that number from the git-go. We talked with the actor, John Grieco, so we could all get on the same page. Knowing we wanted this to be a hugely physical number, no parking and barking, I gave him freedom to roam on the stage, with only a few blocking limitations.
Then we began work, the three of us finding where the emotions escalate, where a new set of emotions catch fire, all the time blending motion and music, with Dave adjusting tempos and volume, finding the moments when John needed to breathe, me adjusting his movements and his acting choices to suit those moments.”
— Tony Howarth (director and playwright)
“I am fan of Dave Möschler’s. I had the wonderful opportunity to watch Dave rehearse with a group of high school student actors and musicians for a production of Into the Woods at JCHS in November 2012.
He was demanding and serious, good-humored and funny, impeccably organized, upbeat, and motivating. He conveyed the highest expectations of professionalism to the group of young people, whose experience level ranged from newcomers to performance veterans. And the students rose to the challenge!
Both the singer-actors and the musicians improved with every repetition. The sound, the clarity and precision of instruments and voices, the meaning of the songs and the emotions expressed, the characters created in Sondheim’s incredible music were, to a person, fantastic. And, at every minute, I could see that the students were having a great time as they worked with the focus and dedication that Dave inspired in them.
As I observed rehearsals, I wished I could go back to being a 16-year-old musical theatre performer, but this time under Dave’s brilliant tutelage.
In addition to this, his M.A. thesis from UC-Davis is a superb analysis of the score of Carousel, chock full of extraordinarily perceptive insights and some fantastic personal interviews. A terrific resource!”
— Stacey Wolf (Director, Princeton Atelier & Professor, Lewis Center for the Arts, Princeton University)
Author of Changed for Good: A Feminist History of the Broadway Musical and co-editor of The Oxford Handbook of the American Musical
“Dave Möschler’s enthusiasm for what he does is contagious. His passion, knowledge, attention to detail and, in particular, his patience, inspire everyone to raise the bar. Also, he knows a ton of jokes, and two tons of Sondheim anecdotes!
I’ve worked with him on two different productions of Assassins; his quips and stories are actually fantastic tools for getting the most out of people.
It’s great to work with him and great to watch him work.”
— Steven Hess (actor, director, teaching artist)
“I consider myself fortunate to have worked under Dave Moschler’s musical direction. He is endearingly passionate about the music that he directs, and he is able to instill this passion into his cast.
His love of music, coupled with his outstanding musical knowledge, inspires you as a singer to go above and beyond what you previously thought possible. Dave also has a solid understanding of the singing voice, and encourages the use of healthy vocal technique in his musical productions.
He is definitely a perfectionist, and balances this tendency with a sense of humor and a feeling of respect and good will towards all involved in the production. I would work with him again in a heartbeat!”
– Rebecca Castelli (actor, singer, voice teacher)
“David Möschler has a passion for musical theater and orchestral conducting that is contagious to the musicians in his ensembles. I’ve enjoyed playing in several professional pit orchestras conducted by David. His conducting is precise, disciplined, and intelligently crafted. Rehearsals with David are efficient, well paced, respectful, and collaborative.
I have the deepest respect for David’s musical direction which appears to be simultaneously intuitive and well researched. I recommended David to take over a youth orchestra conducting position I was vacating and David did a remarkable job – both the parents and students responded well to David’s musical gifts and warm teaching style. I embrace every opportunity I can to play in David’s ensembles. It is rare to find an individual who is musically gifted, organized, responsible, and holds himself to very high professional standards.”
— David Campbell (trumpet, conductor, teaching artist)
“Dave Moschler's generous spirit is on full display in his beautiful conducting. His love and excitement for the music is contagious.
Dave explores the depth of each composition he brings to the orchestral table, enriching the musical adventure for all of us - musicians and audience! He encourages us to “Be excellent to each other. Be excellent with your craft.”
— Destiny Muhammad (harpist from the hood)
“Having worked closely with David since 2014, I've come to appreciate this individual for his vision of creating inclusive and diverse musical spaces.
He has deep attention to detail and an ability to connect with musicians and audience members alike. He is both a trusted colleague and an incredible friend.”
— Arturo Rodriguez (flutist, composer)
“David is kind, empathetic, a terrific collaborator, and thinks creatively outside the box. He is a delight to work with, and I treasure every moment I get to spend with him.”
— Beth Burrier (music director, Associate Artistic Director College Light Opera Company)
“I have had the pleasure of collaborating with David both as a guest composer of Awesome Orchestra and as his colleague at Pop Up Magazine.
He is a beacon of warmth and positivity, and his dedication to his craft and community is boundless.
You would be hard pressed to find a more dynamic and engaging conductor/composer/instrumentalist!”
— Holly Mead (composer, arranger, pianist)
“To work with Dave Moschler is a gift. Beyond his incredible talent, vast knowledge of music and impeccable conducting-- he is truly one of the kindest and most conscientious artists I have ever met. He holds space with joy, endless patience, attention to detail, and care.
He is a true collaborator, in every sense of the word and makes every effort to support the team and fellow artists. He is a born leader and teacher, always welcoming, generous and deeply present.
Every time I work with him, I am blown away by the dynamics he brings to every production. Dave effortlessly makes every show better and I'm beyond grateful to have worked with him.”
— Zoe Swenson Graham (choreographer, director, actor)
“The very embodiment of the joy of music.”
—Wayne Barker (composer, arranger, music director)
“Love working with Dave! He's subbed for me on and off for 3 years as music director for Pop-Up Magazine and I wouldn't go with anyone else! Of course his musicianship and conducting skills are on point but the thing I love most about Dave is his bedside manner and calm demeanor. The environments are hectic and schedules are tight, yet Dave's calm presence keeps the show moving and everyone happy. Thank you Dave!”
— Minna Choi (composer and founder of Magik*Magik Orchestra)
“From the get-go, Dave has been one of the Bay Area’s brightest stars in musical direction. I’ve seen him coach people with no discernible stage or musical training and get them to perform complex vocal harmonies and present the drama within the play. His piano playing is consistent and excellent, even while directing stage and orchestra, no small feat. And he is one of the few directors who know how to conduct both instrumental and vocal ensembles equally well.
His knowledge of musical theatre history is vast, and beyond that of authorities twice his age. And he knows what is important in theatre, keeping track of everything from stage direction to sound engineer to lighting to costumer. All the attention to detail has made him desirable for musical direction, and he has made it a point to work with stage directors with unique and challenging points of view. Naturally, all of us welcome the chance to work with him on future projects.”
— Wes Asakawa (woodwind doubler, San Francisco, CA)