David Willms began studying the violin at age seven. He received his Bachelor of Music from Western University where he was encouraged to switch to the viola by his mentor, Ralph Aldrich. It was a career altering decision!
Willms began his orchestra career as Principal Violist of the Windsor Symphony from 1986-1991. In addition to performing, he completed his Bachelor of Education in 1989.
After performing with the Netherlands Chamber Orchestra in Amsterdam from 1991-1993, Willms established a freelance career back in Canada as a violist with the Toronto Symphony, the Hamilton Philharmonic, the Canadian Opera Company, among others, including musicals such as Les Miserables and The Phantom of the Opera. He also recorded and toured with Canadian artists such as Diana Krall, Bruce Cockburn and The Philosopher Kings. He performed and recorded extensively with Tafelmusik, including tours through Europe, Asia and the UK.
In 2006, Willms resumed his passion for education and taught the band program at Aldershot High School. In 2016 he established a dedicated string orchestra program at Abbey Park High School in Oakville.
As a conductor, David Willms was appointed Music Director of the Hamilton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra (HPYO) in 2022. The orchestra’s membership and profile in Hamilton has grown dramatically in less than 3 years. Willms has a strong passion for both music-making and educating young musicians. He is excited to be making his debut as a strings/orchestra adjudicator at GHMF 2025