Organ recitalist, improviser, instructor, and liturgical musician.

David Simon is quickly establishing himself as a prominent organ recitalist, improviser, instructor, and liturgical musician. He won First Prize and Audience Prize in the University of Michigan organ improvisation competition in 2018. David has gone on to improvise extensively in concert, liturgy, and for silent films.

David has performed in North America, the United Kingdom, Continental Europe, and Russia to the acclaim of audience members, reviewers, and his colleagues. He won First Prize at the Royal Canadian College of Organists (RCCO) national organ competition held in Halifax in 2019 and now serves as a member of the RCCO Competitions Committee. In recent years, David has also written examinations for the RCCO.

David first studied music as a chorister at St. Michael’s Cathedral-Basilica in Toronto, ON and continues to play organ at its weekly masses. He now teaches organ, piano, music theory, and Gregorian Chant at St. Michael’s Choir School in Toronto and beyond. Additionally, he serves as Director of Music at the historic Church of St. Mary Magdalene, Toronto where he leads its distinguished Gallery Choir. By fully embracing digital media, his private studio extends to students across North America. His students have gone on to win national prizes and complete examinations with the Royal Conservatory of Music (where he serves as an examiner) and the RCCO.

David holds a Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) degree from at Yale University, having studied in the studios of Thomas Murray and Jeff Brillhart. He is a Fellow of the RCCO, winning prizes for top national achievement.

Competitions

Royal Canadian College of Organists (Toronto Centre) 100th Anniversary Composition Competition (2025)

First Prize

2019 National Organ Playing Competition

First Prize

2018 University of Michigan Improvisation Competition

First Prize
Audience Prize

2014 Royal Canadian College of Organists (Toronto Centre) Organ Competition

First Prize

At a Glance

  • 2024
    Member of the College of Examiners, Royal Conservatory of Music

  • 2023
    Doctor of Musical Arts in Organ Performance (DMA), Yale University

  • 2019
    Fellow of the Royal Canadian College of Organists (FRCCO)

  • 2017
    Master of Music in Organ Performance (MMus), Yale University

  • 2015
    Bachelor of Music in Organ Performance (BMus), University of Toronto

    Bevan Organ Scholar, Trinity College, University of Toronto

  • 2014
    Associate of the Royal Canadian College of Organists (ARCCO)

  • 2011
    Graduate of St. Michael’s Choir School, Toronto, ON

    Associate of the Royal Conservatory of Music in Organ Performance (ARCT)

© 2025 David Simon