David Owen received a Master of Music degree from the New England Conservatory of Music and has performed on oboe and English Horn with the Vancouver Opera Orchestra, Turning Point Ensemble, Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, Lethbridge Symphony, Vancouver Symphony, CBC Vancouver Orchestra, Vancouver New Music Ensemble, Canadian Chamber Orchestra, Banff Festival Orchestra, and various musical theatre pit orchestras. He has also participated in numerous broadcasts and recordings of symphonic, opera, chamber and contemporary music.

Part-way through his musical career, David returned to university and attended the UBC law school. He then practiced law while continuing to perform and also began assisting the Vancouver Musicians' Association CFM Local 145 in collective agreement negotiations. David was eventually appointed as Secretary of Local 145 and represented musicians in that role for several years; during that period, he also served on the Vancouver Opera Orchestra members' and negotiating committees, the board of PAL Vancouver, and the Canadian Music Centre BC Region Advisory Council.

David moved to Halifax two years ago. He has retired from law practice but continues to perform, and as well serves as President of the Atlantic Federation of Musicians CFM L571 and Vice President of Alexander Technique Canada (he is a certified teacher of the Alexander Technique).