A conductor slowly lifts his baton, nods, then gently begins an up and down rhythmic movement that sets into motion a full orchestra softly playing a sweet melodic symphony.

A classroom fills with students carrying various instruments as a professor rapidly taps his metal music stand to start another class.

The melding of academics and performance will be Ronald Zollman's role as the recently named music director of the Carnegie Mellon Philharmonic and as an associate professor of music in Carnegie Mellon's School of Music. Born in Antwerp, Belgium, Zollman began his musical training at the age of 4. He attended the Royal Conservatory of Antwerp and has appeared as guest conductor with many highly regarded orchestras across the globe.

Camille Downing