David Kozisek
A versatile and passionate educator, Dr. David Kozisek understands the modern singer's need for a reliable vocal technique that can be applied across a variety of musical styles and performance settings. He believes that anyone can sing and fosters confidence, artistry, and healthy vocal development in students of all ages through a positive, individualized approach tailored to each student's learning style. His doctoral research, Using Team-Based Learning to Increase Feedback in the Applied Voice Studio, was featured in a poster session at the Minnesota Music Educators Midwinter Clinic in Minneapolis.
An active conductor and clinician, Dr. Kozisek regularly conducts and directs large-scale works, including Dido and Aeneas, Amahl and the Night Visitors, Saint-Saëns' Oratorio de Noël, Brahms' Liebeslieder-Walzer, as well as original thematic musical revues for the Cross Community Players. While at the University of Minnesota he received a grant to develop and implement SINGOUT!, an interactive vocal music program for fourth and fifth-grade students that engages creativity while promoting expressive, flexible, and healthy singing. David is inspired by communal singing’s power to foster connection, build community, and create spaces for healing, joy, and authentic self-expression.
Dr. Kozisek's students regularly perform leading roles in operas and musicals and participate in All-State Choirs, honors recitals, and prestigious summer Young Artist Programs. Their achievements include the Interlochen Arts Camp Joseph Maddy Award for Musical Theatre, the Hennepin Theatre Trust Spotlight Triple Threat Award, victories in the Gustavus Concerto and Aria Competition, and recognition at the Minnesota NATS Student Auditions. David’s students have been accepted to study at Juilliard, the University of Michigan, the Guthrie Theater BFA Actor Training Program, Carnegie Mellon University, Boston University, the University of Colorado Boulder, and the University of North Carolina School of the Arts among others.
Dr. Kozisek is on the faculty at Hamline University, Gustavus Adolphus College, MacPhail Center for Music, and Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp. He holds degrees from Interlochen Arts Academy, DePauw University, the University of Michigan, and the University of Minnesota. Before relocating to Minneapolis, he appeared frequently at the Kennedy Center with the Washington National Opera, the Washington Chorus, Washington Concert Opera, the Cathedral Choral Society, and the National Symphony Orchestra, among others. He also performed with the Shakespeare Theatre Company and in theatrical programs at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. Dr. Kozisek serves as Director of Music and Worship at Hamline Church United Methodist in St. Paul, where he conducts a variety of ensembles and curates and produces the church's Music and Arts Series.