College Up Close: Music

Tar Heel of the Week: Dan Asanov

Junior Dan Asanov knew he wanted to pursue a music major in college since he was in high school, but his audition with the music department — and the “welcoming nature of everyone,” he said — sealed the deal on being a Tar Heel.

Fast forward three years from his audition: Asanov is a member of the Marching Tar Heels and plays jazz drums and classical baritone saxophone. With the marching band, he’s traveled around the country to games, including to cheer on the women’s basketball team in Tucson, Arizona, last year.

“Getting to hang out in Tu-city with some of my best friends while cheering on the team is something that’ll stick out in my mind when I think of my time at Carolina,” he said. “Being able to be part of something that I know is bigger than I am will forever be a powerful and humbling experience for me.”

If you’re searching for your next favorite class at Carolina, Asanov recommends “Global Rhythms” with Juan Alamo or the first-year seminar “Music and Physics.”

When he’s not in class or performing, Asanov works on Franklin Street at Linda’s. Pro tip: order the “breakfast burrito with sausage, add Swiss and provolone, with a side of either Cajun or loaded tots.”

Asanov will perform at the Carolina Jazz Festival Feb. 16-18, 2023, and in the Valentine’s concert featuring jazz bands from UNC, Duke and NCCU. Along with friends from Marching Tar Heels, he gives a shout-out to UNC’s Alpha Rho Chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, musicians who are committed to giving back to their community.

Tar Heels of the Week are nominated by professors in their department. 

By the Numbers

Founded in 1919, the music department offers two majors, two minors and one of the oldest graduate programs in musicology in the country, granting its first degree in 1939. Music classes and performances can be found in three buildings across campus: Hill Hall, Person Hall and Kenan Music Building. The department maintains a bustling events calendar, featuring concerts by their many ensembles, which range from Charanga Carolina to Hip Hop to Glee.

Explore all the facts and figures in By the Numbers.

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