Andy Bhasin, Ph.D., a violinist, is taking over as Fordham’s Orchestra Director. Bhasin has experience with instrumental music and has performed in solo and chamber music performances that have taken him around the globe to places such as the United States, Europe, Central and South America. Bhasin has worked with names such as Wolfram Koessel, Rita Porfiris and members of the Emerson and Chiara String Quartets.

He has performed at prestigious events such as the Spoleto Festival USA Orchestra, the New World Symphony and under the batons of Carl St. Clair, David Robertson and John Williams.

Bhasin has also performed in venues such as the Gasteig in Munich, Germany, Merkin Concert Hall at the Kaufman Music Center in New York City and has debuted in Carnegie Hall as a prizewinner of the American Protege International Concerto Competition.

He received a doctorate in musical arts as well as a master’s degree in musical education.

Bhasin is from New Jersey. Bhasin’s brother was a trumpeter, and watching him perform originally inspired Bhasin to start playing string instruments, leading him to take professional lessons in fifth grade. Bhasin continued his young music education at a music camp the summer before eighth grade. According to Bhasin, that summer camp showed him the beauty of music. By ninth grade, Bhasin had made up his mind to major in music.

Over time, Bhasin participated in experiences such as performing at the Music Academy at the West in California where he performed pieces such as Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5 and met and worked under world renown John Williams.

“I’ll never forget that thrill,” Bhasin said. “The violins rotated, even the best players played supporting parts in the piece and all you could feel was a wall of sound.”

He said he was amazed at the power music could hold as well as the emotion. Bhasin said he believes that music has more to it than the technical aspects of it, and that “the emotional experience [of music] is meaningful.” According to Bhasin, this lesson learned is something that he takes with him every time he teaches or picks up an instrument.

Bhasin said he came to Fordham initially because he wanted to live in New York City. He said he loves the music scene in it and also enjoys the salsa dancing classes he takes in the city. However, Bhasin said that he also loves teaching college kids.

“College students have a curiosity and love for music that I admire,” he said. “I want to help students strive for a high standard of music while also inspiring students who are less experienced to find their potential.”