David studied at the Royal Academy of Music before joining the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

Subsequently, he devoted his time to chamber music and continuo playing, which led to performances with Yehudi Menuhin, Neville Marriner, Roger Norrington, John Eliot Gardiner and Paul Steinitz, and to his joining the the Alberni String Quartet. In over 30 years as a member of the quartet he has performed worldwide and has also gained a reputation for his teaching and coaching.