David has been involved in music in one way or another for most of his life. A native of Charlotte, David has watched the city "grow up," with the musical landscape continuing to mature and diversify along with the entire Charlotte region.
David studied music and media communication at Appalachian State University and went to work out of college in the mid 80's as a freelance writer for a number of publications. Subsequently, he worked for over twenty years in sales and customer service. A guitarist himself, playing and sharing music remained a constant in David's life. So, he jumped on the chance to join friend and business associate Glen Alexander and assume ownership of The Violin Shoppe. According to David, "running the store is a labor of love."
"The key to remaining a viable business in an extremely tough economic climate for a small retail shop is 100% about relationships and trust. A number of things set us apart from other music shops. We offer specialized and personalized attention to our customers to assist them all along their musical journey. Additionally, we are a part of the fabric of the area’s music scene. We are performers, teachers and advocates in the music community.” Both David and Glen perform at weddings and in a range of venues. David has served several terms on the executive committee of the parents' board for Charlotte Symphony Youth Orchestras. He also teaches group guitar classes to adult beginners.
David and his wife Patty have three children Avery, Casey and Emily. Each of the children started Suzuki violin lessons when they were five years old. So David speaks from real experience when he talks about the power of music to transform lives. "Music has contributed enormously to our family's whole identity! Early on, the kids performed at violin recitals and gained that confidence that translates into so many other areas of life. They learned the discipline and the rewards that come with committing oneself to learning to play a musical instrument." For nearly five years, the family performed as a bluegrass/folk/gospel act, The Whippersnappers, with son Avery playing fiddle, daughters Casey and Emily on mandolin and bass. Dad accompanied on guitar. All contributed vocals, with the girls providing exquisite sister harmony.
Glen grew up on a farm on the northwest side of Winston-Salem where music was not only a part of his family but a part of the community. His father Archie played guitar and banjo with his uncle and grandparents, who had a touring gospel quartet that traveled on a bus from church to tent revival every weekend. In years to follow, a family bluegrass band was formed and Glen tagged along to all the gigs, from fiddlers conventions to chicken stews. "I assumed everybody knew how to play an instrument." Jam sessions were abundant, at least five nights a week.
Glen couldn't help but play music. Not only did his grandfather, father and uncle play, but his mother and aunts were accomplished pianists. Later, he learned that his other grandfather played old time banjo. At eleven, Glen received his first fiddle from the "Old Timer," Ralph McGee, the 1921 Grandmaster fiddle champion. While steeped in a musical environment, Glen’s improvisational skills are self-taught, though bolstered by the classical techniques he learned in public school. Sitting in with his father's band, he finally understood the theory he needed to be able to play breaks and fills and when to play and when not to.
He won his first ribbon, second place at the Yadkinville Fiddlers Convention, at age 14. And in the ensuing years amassed a resumé that includes winning the coveted blue ribbon from the prestigious Galax, Virginia’s Old Fiddler’s Convention three times! All the while working in some of the finest regional musical instrument stores, playing on more than 150 CDs, and sharing the stage with such artists as the Carter Brothers Band, Jack Lawrence, Doc Watson, Allison Krauss and Ricky Skaggs.