After growing up playing in his family string quartet, David Samuels graduated from Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan, where he studied viola, piano and conducting. He began his violin-making studies in 1981 with Amnon Weinstein in Tel-Aviv, and went on to Paris to work for Etienne Vatelot, before studying bow-making with Stephane Thomachot. David completed his studies in New York City with Jacques Francais, under the renown Rene Morel. He opened his own shop in 1992, and ever since has been making bows for the violin, viola and cello, as well as teaching the French traditions and methods of bow-making. 

 

David has won numerous gold medals in international competitions: the gold medal for his cello bow in Manchester, England in 1994; and 7 gold medals won at the Violin Society of America International Competitions in 1992, 1994 and 1996 have earned him the “hors concours” status and the invitation to judge at a VSA Competition. In addition, he was a judge at the Paris International Violin and Bow Making Competition. 

 

David is a member and past president of the American Federation of Violin and Bow Makers. Mr. Samuels receives commissions for his bows from around the world.