Born into a musical family in Melbourne, Australia, David Saffir went to the Tasmanian Conservatorium where he studied with Professor Jan Sedivka. Post-graduate studies took David to the Koelner Musikhochschule in Germany where he studied with Professor Igor Ozim and members of the Amadeus Quartet.
He returned to Australia to lead the New England String Quartet, the resident ensemble at the University of New England in Armidale. After a successful stint there, David freelanced in Sydney, working with all the major orchestras, until taking a position of Director of Strings at Newington College.
David Saffir was appointed Director of Strings at Barker College in 2000. He works with students throughout the school as an instrumental teacher and ensemble director. He leads a vibrant team of eleven string teachers; consequently, string playing throughout the school has developed strongly, with over two hundred students playing in its many string orchestras. There is also a thriving chamber music program.
David continues to perform professionally as a soloist, chamber musician and orchestral leader. From 2005 – 2015, he was Concertmaster of the Willoughby Symphony Orchestra and was Concertmaster Emeritus until 2019.