David Garner’s philosophy of teaching originates in his near-obsession with forms of human communication, most notably language. During his long tenure as professor of musicianship and theory, he stressed the application of theory—and not just its elements--through the ability to read music as a language. As a professor of composition, he stresses clarity in communicating human experience, which he feels is the paramount mission of the composer. To this end, he stresses clarity of syntax, notation, and intent in his composition students.
Here are links to some of David's former students in composition, music theory, and performance who carry on this tradition:
COMPOSERS
MUSICIANSHIP, THEORY, & PERFORMANCE
Lisa Delan, soprano
Mark Hernandez, tenor
Crystal Philippi, mezzo-soprano
Rebecca Plack, Ph.D., soprano
Raeeka Shehabi-Yaghmai, soprano
Elza van den Heever, soprano
Krista Wigle, soprano