At the closing concert of the Tianjin Juilliard Orchestra’s 2024–25 season, Amir Sharipov performed as principal horn in two monumental works: Mahler’s Symphony No. 1 and Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring. For the Uzbekistan musician, the moment reflected not just technical skill, but the result of years of searching—for the right environment, the right guidance, and the time to grow.
“My teacher, Professor Chang Chou Han, always encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone and take on more demanding roles within the orchestra,” Sharipov said. “It’s been incredibly valuable for my development. Without playing these parts, I wouldn’t truly grow as a musician.”
Sharipov’s path has taken him across continents and through varied professional and academic settings. After earning his undergraduate degree at the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory in Singapore, he joined a professional orchestra in Russia, performing for three seasons, before briefly continuing his studies at Boston University. Though he received a full scholarship, juggling part-time work and long commutes left little time for focused practice. “It felt like trying to plant a seed in winter,” he recalled. “The conditions just weren’t right.”
In Tianjin, he found the environment he’d been searching for. With strong institutional support—including a scholarship, housing assistance, and access to world-class facilities—Sharipov finally felt able to fully focus on his musical and academic development. He was also drawn to China by curiosity. During his time in Singapore, he had formed close friendships with Chinese students, which sparked a fascination with the culture, language, and possibilities of a career in China.
Though Sharipov brought with him several years of orchestral experience, he found that Tianjin Juilliard offered more than just performance opportunities. What stood out most was the emphasis on creative thinking, collaboration, and broader musical understanding.
“As students, we actively contribute to the learning process. I’ve developed in areas where professional orchestral work doesn’t really touch upon—ear training, music history, community engagement, entrepreneurship. These are skills and ways of thinking that go far beyond playing your part in the ensemble.”
Amir Sharipov (MM ‘25, Instrumental and Orchestral Studies, horn)
A central influence in Sharipov’s growth has been hornist and educator Chang Chou Han. “Professor Han completely transformed my approach to sound,” Sharipov explained. “In many places, players obsess over following every accent and dynamic exactly as marked. But he reminded me that if the sound isn’t beautiful, the music loses its meaning. That idea reshaped everything for me.” He also credits Han with helping him move past a purely technical mindset. “Horn playing is so nuanced. You can’t brute force it. Technique is deeply personal, and Professor Han teaches with that philosophy—focusing on musicality, on phrasing, on expression—not just mechanical perfection.”
Sharipov recently completed his master’s degree, but he’s staying on at Tianjin Juilliard to pursue a Performer’s Certificate. “The seed has been planted,” he said. “But it still needs time to grow. Learning and mastering something don’t happen at the same time. I want to really absorb what I’ve learned.”
Looking ahead, he envisions a career not only as a performer, but possibly as an artistic coordinator or ensemble founder. “I’ve realized I love working with people. Many brilliant musicians need support systems behind them. That kind of teamwork excites me.” To that end, he’s already taken steps beyond the stage. Through a student employment program in the Dean’s Office, he’s gained hands-on experience with event planning, resource coordination, and arts administration—skills that complement his musical life and point toward a well-rounded future in the industry.
Amir Sharipov’s journey hasn’t followed a straight line, but like any strong piece of music, it has its own logic and form—an arc built not just on talent, but on timing, trust, and a place to take root.