David Rugger – A Versatile Performer and Scholar

Baritone David Rugger is an engaging performer and scholar, specializing in oratorio, early music, and the work of J.S. Bach.

At Indiana University he is currently pursuing his PhD in musicology as well as cultivating his solo career as a baritone/bass-baritone singer/performer. His research investigates how vocal sound, body movement and identity interact in twentieth century English and American music.

Early Life and Education

David Rugger was born July 25, 1963 to Vicki and John. He is survived by his wife Vicki of Horace; sons Michael (Allison) and Jesse; as well as three grandsons: Silas, Vance and Miles.

David worked as a truck driver in Fargo, ND after graduating high school, as well as playing various sports including tennis and golf.

David enjoyed spending his life with family and friends, especially his two sons – Michael and Jesse who both served our nation with honor in the Marines.

He is particularly fascinated by Baroque music, and currently studying to earn a PhD in musicology at Indiana University. His areas of research interest include voice timbre research, nationalism studies, and historically informed performance practice.

Professional Career

David Rugger is an accomplished baritone/bass-baritone and scholar with an active career encompassing solo performances, ensemble singing, oratorio performances, and his PhD studies at Indiana University in Musicology.

He is deeply passionate about repertoire ranging from Renaissance to modern times, with particular fascination in J.S. Bach’s music.

He has performed with various professional choirs and orchestras, such as Vocal Arts Ensemble of Cincinnati (VAE), Seraphic Fire, Conspirare and Washington Bach Consort; in addition, he received the Virginia Best Adams Fellow at Carmel Bach Festival.

Achievement and Honors

David Rugger has made his mark as a baritone with performances of solo, consort, and choral singing across concert, church, university, and church settings. He holds two master’s degrees: one in music history literature theory from Butler University and another one in musicology from Indiana University Bloomington.

He holds several musical credentials including being honored as Virginia Adams Best Fellow at Carmel Bach Festival; Trinity Episcopal Church Bloomington Indiana as faculty; Indiana University’s associate instructor of musicology as an adjunct lecturer and voice, viola, and violin teacher at Stafford Music Academy; Indianapolis Symphony orchestra membership as a staff singer from 2010-13; Victoria Bach Festival Victoria Texas as guest artist ; American Bach Society membership and numerous ensemble and orchestra appearances (such as singing for Indy Symphony orchestra); Chicago Chamber Orchestra membership from 2004 until 2007 as staff singer since 2007.

Personal Life

David Rugger was an exceptional performer and scholar, seamlessly balancing both performances onstage and classroom activities. A former baritone staff singer at Indianapolis’ Christ Church Cathedral, he now holds the position of baritone/bass choral scholar at Trinity Episcopal Church Bloomington Indiana.

He was an avid sports enthusiast from birth, boasting an impressive resume as a state champion soccer goalie and rugby hooker. A 28-year career at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta provided ample opportunity to pursue medical and environmental health interests – founding Society for Birth Defects Research and Prevention while serving on board of various nonprofits. A true gentleman, his most memorable moments included being with Betsy Lawer (his wife) and daughter Sarah Lawer.

Net Worth

David Rugger has made significant profits as a Nigerian singer. He has garnered endorsement deals with several brands that has increased his wealth significantly.

He has also managed to generate income through streams and concerts. Being an experienced musician, he has been successful at earning his living through music for a number of years now.

He is an emerging Afrobeats artist recently signed to Jonzing World Records owned and managed by D’Prince, with an estimated net worth estimated between $100,000-$350k.