David Swenson is the Coordinator of Liturgical Music at the Pontifical North American College in Vatican City. There, he serves as choirmaster and organist, training and teaching American seminarians during their formation to the priesthood. He directs the choir for Sunday and feast day Masses (the grandest of the year being the deaconate ordinations in St. Peter’s Basilica), teaches private piano, organ, and chant lessons, and hosts various workshops througout the year.
Previously, he was at Saint Mary Mother of God from 2021-2024, serving as organist, choirmaster, and administrator. He also serves as organist and choirmaster in various churches in the DC, Maryland, Virginia area and teaches a private studio of piano, organ, and saxophone.
In the summer of 2023, David went to Paris to study under the tutelage of the French organ masters including Olivier Penin, Jean-Baptiste Robin, Sophie-Véronique Cauchefer-Choplin,and Frederic Blanc.
Previously, David studied at the University of Notre Dame, where he received his Master of Sacred Music degree in 2021 and his Bachelor of Arts degrees in music and theology with a minor in philosophy in 2019. During his studies, he was an active church musician at parishes throughout the South Bend Area as well as Twin Cities and surrounding areas in Minnesota.
While his formal academic training is in organ, David is also a pianist, choral singer, and saxophonist. His teachers include Kola Owolabi and Huw Lewis in organ, Carmen-Helena Téllez in conducting, Darlene Catello in harpsichord, and Preston Harrell in voice.