David's Life Diary

David Leahey began his musical career as a youth chorister at Liverpool Cathedral, England. During that time, he gained a rich choral education and participated in services for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, HRH Princess Diana, and Prime Ministers Margaret Thatcher and John Major. As a teenager, David toured Spain and Japan alongside Paul McCartney, performing McCartney's Liverpool Oratorio and became organist for a number of churches in Liverpool and its surrounding areas. At age sixteen, David was appointed Organ Scholar at Liverpool Cathedral under the tutelage of world-renowned Professor Doctor Ian Tracey, and in this capacity accompanied and conducted services and assisted in the training of probationer choristers.

In 1997, David followed in the footsteps of Gustav Holst, Ralph Vaughan Williams, and Herbert Howells and was awarded the Foundation Scholarship to the Royal College of Music in London, England. Following his time in London, he returned to Liverpool and obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music as well as a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology.

Since August 2003, David has been the Director of Music at high profile churches in the D.C. Metropolitan area, North Carolina, and Florida. He has worked with several universities, and demonstrated his excellent repertoire by performing recitals at the White House, the Blair House, and Washington National Cathedral, among other prominent venues around the country. In addition, David has lectured at numerous American Guild of Organist Association and American Choral Directors Association conferences nationwide.

Throughout his tenure as a parish Music Director, David has provided unique musical opportunities for both his congregants and the community at large, He has mentored young choristers through certification with the Royal School of Church Music; introduced regular Choral Evensongs, A Festival of Lessons and Carols, and Passiontide Recitals; conducted major works with orchestra; and hosted events featuring professional musicians from both at home and abroad, including the U.S. Army Chorus. In the spring of 2015, David was commissioned by the North Carolina Chamber Music Festival to compose an orchestral piece in honor of Christ Church New Bern's 300th anniversary celebration.

In addition to the field of music, David has also made significant and consistent contributions to the church through his expertise in Information Technology and Communications. He has produced online worship services, designed websites, built databases and office networks, and developed church exchange servers. In addition to his IT skills, David also possesses proficiency and extensive experience in both written and social media communications.

One of David's big passions is sports, and especially soccer. Being from England, he is a huge supporter of his home city club, Liverpool FC. During his time in the US, David has volunteered his time and coached at many youth recreational soccer clubs in Virginia, North Carolina, and in Florida. Within his role he taught youth skill development, safety, fair play, sportsmanship, and fun.