David studied violin making at the Paul Hart Violin Making School. Out of school he was a restorer for Robertson and Sons violin shop in Albuquerque, NM. He also worked with Paul Becker, at Carl Becker and Son in Chicago, learning restoration techniques. For nearly a decade David was the restoration foreman for David Brewer Fine Violins. It was here that he restored the greatest period instruments. This work was invaluable in shaping the sound and varnish of his own violins and learning the techniques of the Cremonese masters.