David Hapner

Theatre, Dance and Motion Pictures

David Hapner has made a tremendous impact on the musical theatre program in his nearly two decades at the university. He assisted in spearheading the development of the program and over the years has served as musical director, conductor, arranger, instrumentalist, instructor, and composer. His colleagues unanimously praise his skill, professionalism, and exceptional knowledge.

Mr. Hapner has taught music theory and served as an in-class accompanist for three performance courses annually, working in one-on-one weekly coaching sessions with all sophomore and junior musical theatre majors. He has also served as musical director/conductor of over a dozen department productions and as rehearsal accompanist and orchestra pianist for many others. Mr. Hapner brings to every classroom or rehearsal studio he graces a rare combination of exceptional musicianship, true mastery of myriad styles, a joyful curiosity about his subjects, and a love of his students and their dreams. His work with students has been extolled as indispensable by dozens of successful musical theatre alumni who credit him as the key to their accomplishment as singers from regional theatres and cruise tours, to national tours and Broadway.