Daniel Kiser received the Bachelor of Music degree (summa cum laude) from Southern Illinois University, the Master of Music degree (also from Southern Illinois University) and the Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Illinois. While at Southern Illinois University Dr. Kiser was elected into the honor societies of Phi Kappa Phi and Pi Kappa Lambda. In 1985, Dr. Kiser was appointed to the music faculty at North Dakota State University where he taught applied trumpet and music theory, conducted the brass ensemble and served as assistant director of the university bands.

 Appointed in 1992, Dr. Kiser currently serves Lenoir-Rhyne College as Chair of the School of Fine Arts, Director of Instrumental Programs and coordinator of teacher licensure in music. He conducts the Concert Band and has taught courses in orchestration, music theory, instrumental conducting, brass techniques, and music methodology. In addition to the concert band, he has conducted the pep band, brass ensemble and pit orchestra. 

His trumpet performance has been noted by the Charlotte Observer as "smooth and precise" and "marked at all times by purity and delicacy". Dr. Kiser has performed professionally with the Western Piedmont Symphony, the Fargo-Moorhead Symphony, the Fargo-Moorhead Civic Opera, the Unifour Brass Ensemble, and the Northern Plains Brass Quintet.