Andrew Nix, a native of Tucson, Arizona, began playing the violin at age 3. His first pivotal experience with the violin was when he joined the Tucson Philharmonia Youth Orchestra (TPYO) in 7th grade. He was immediately inspired by the incredible scope of dynamics and color that an orchestra can produce, and his passion for orchestral playing was set in motion. Soon he began studying violin more seriously and attending orchestral summer festivals, and by the end of high school, he achieved the position of concertmaster in the TPYO and soloed with the orchestra on the Sibelius Violin Concerto. He remains with the TPYO to this day as orchestra manager, where he assists with behind the scenes operations and serves as livestream and recording engineer.
Upon graduating high school, Andrew felt he hadn’t written his full story in Tucson, and so chose to study with Professor Timothy Kantor at the University of Arizona. One of his goals was to audition for the Tucson Symphony Orchestra (TSO) while in college, and by his sophomore year he succeeded, becoming the youngest member of the orchestra at the time. While learning from many experienced players in the TSO, he simultaneously received opportunities to play as principal and concertmaster in the University of Arizona Symphony, which contributed to his understanding of the importance and responsibility that comes with a leadership position..
Andrew is set to graduate in the Spring of 2024, and afterwards plans to pursue a master’s degree at a music conservatory. Following this, he aspires to play with professional training orchestras such as the Chicago Civic Orchestra or the New World Symphony. His ultimate goal though is to bring his experience and skills acquired abroad back to Tucson, so he can contribute to its unique and irreplaceable arts community.
Outside of his violin-related pursuits, Andrew also is pursuing a minor in Chinese language, plays the flugelhorn, and works for the UA School of Music designing concert programs and webpages.
“I faintly remember playing twinkle-twinkle little star on a 1/16 size violin.”
“My musical heroes are my current and former teachers, Tim Kantor, Rose Todaro, and Ben Nisbet. Each of them provided such an important aspect of my musical journey, that I can't imagine I would be anywhere without them.”
“If I had to pick, I'd say the heat and the monsoons! I can't help but love everything about my hometown.”