David is a New Zealander, born and brought up in Auckland. He gained his Bachelor of Music in 1971 and left for England to further his studies at the Guildhall School of Music in London. On his return to New Zealand he completed his Master of Music 1st class Hons. in 1973. Early successes came with winning the John Cowie Reid competition for a composition in 1973 with Improperia for 8 part choir and tenor soloist, and a tour made by the Dorian choir under Peter Godfrey with performances of Five Credo Extracts throughout Europe. The Dorian choir again toured in 1975 and presented David’s Salve Regina for 16 part choir at the London Proms series and Beata Virgo for 12 part choir at the Three Choirs Festival in Chichester.