David Starobin was recently called by "Soundboard" magazine "arguably the most influential American classical guitarist of the twentieth century." Composers including Elliott Carter, George Crumb, Lukas Foss, Poul Ruders, Gunther Schuller and Milton Babbitt have dedicated new works to him, producing a repertoire of more than 350 new scores. Starobin has performed these works throughout the world, collaborating with ensembles including The New York Philharmonic, National Symphony, Houston Symphony, San Francisco Symphony, St. Louis Symphony, Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, Danish Radio Orchestra, Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, and the Emerson and Guarneri Quartets.

David Starobin began his guitar studies at age 7, with the Puerto Rican guitarist Manuel Gayol, later working with Albert Valdes Blain, and Aaron Shearer at the Peabody Conservatory of Music. While a student at Peabody, Starobin worked closely with pianist Leon Fleisher, and was a frequent participant in the Marlboro Music Festival. Among Starobin's many honors are a Harvard University Fromm Grant, for "his commitment to the music of our time"; Lincoln Center's Avery Fisher Grant; ASCAP's Deems Taylor Award, and Peabody Conservatory's "Distinguished Alumni Award". Between 1993 and 2004, Starobin was the chairman of the guitar department at the Manhattan School where he currently teaches. In 1981, David Starobin founded the record label, Bridge Records, Inc., which he served as President until 2005. He is currently Director of Artists and Repertoire at Bridge. Starobin's work for Bridge as performer, producer and executive producer has earned three Grammy awards and eighteen Grammy nominations.