David Finlayson

Faculty Emeritus, Classical Trombone, retired in May 2023

David Finlayson joined the New York Philharmonic as second trombonist in 1985, following a five-year tenure as assistant principal trombonist with the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington, D.C. under Mstislav Rostropovich. He is currently on the trombone faculty at Manhattan School of Music; the Mannes College; the Bloomingdale School; and the Music Academy of the West in Santa Barbara, California.

As a featured soloist and recitalist, Mr. Finlayson has performed in brass recitals throughout the world, with appearances on National Public Radio, the Today show, and the National Arts Series. Mr. Finlayson has appeared in concert as soloist with the Vivo Orchestra of Finland, the West Islip Chamber Orchestra, the Music Academy of the West Chamber Series, the Contemporary Music Forum of Washington, D.C., and the Canadian Brass Quintet.

Mr. Finlayson appears regularly as guest artist and clinician for the Selmer Instrument Company and has conducted master classes in universities and conservatories in Spain, Brazil, Korea, Finland, Chile, and Puerto Rico. In the United States his have included the New England Conservatory, the Boston Conservatory, The Juilliard School, Manhattan School of Music, Mannes College, DePaul University, the University of Hawaii, the Curtis Institute, and the University of Michigan.

Mr. Finlayson is a graduate of the University of Michigan. His teachers have included Glen P. Smith, Frank Crisafulli, Dr. John Marcellus, and Abe Torchinsky.

Manhattan School of Music faculty since 1992.