About Brady
Brady Zupansic is an emerging orchestral conductor, violinist, and composer based in Tampa, Florida. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance at the University of South Florida (USF), where he continues to develop his musicianship and pursue his interests in orchestral conducting. His artistic approach is grounded in expressive interpretation, musical storytelling, and a desire to make classical music accessible to audiences of all backgrounds.
Brady currently serves as the first apprentice conductor of the Tampa Metropolitan Youth Orchestra (TMYO), apprenticing under Dr. Sandra Cepero. In this role, he works with young musicians while developing his skills in rehearsal leadership, ensemble communication, and orchestral preparation. His conducting experience also includes opportunities with the USF Symphony Orchestra, where he led two read-throughs of his own compositions. These experiences have strengthened his commitment to orchestral conducting and to fostering meaningful musical experiences through thoughtful, expressive leadership.
In 2026, Brady’s orchestral composition Reminiscence was performed at the Tennessee Valley Music Festival after being selected for its Young Composers’ Forum. His work as a composer informs his approach to conducting, deepening his understanding of orchestration, musical structure, and the relationship between a composer’s intentions and their realization in performance. He has studied composition with Bob Moore, Dr. Piotr Szewczyk, and Dr. Justin Giarrusso.
As a violinist, Brady studies with Bennett Astrove at USF and performs with the USF Symphony Orchestra. His chamber music studies have included work with Dr. Carolyn Stuart and Scott Kluksdahl, while his musical development has also been shaped by Dr. Christina Adams and Dr. Matthew Wardell. Before attending USF, he performed for two seasons with the St. Augustine Orchestra and spent four seasons with the Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestra. At Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, he held principal positions in both the Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra and received Superior ratings from the Florida Orchestra Association for solo, chamber, and conducting performances.
Brady is particularly interested in the relationship between music and other art forms, especially ballet, opera, and film. Inspired by composers ranging from Tchaikovsky, Mahler, Stravinsky, and Prokofiev to contemporary composers such as Thomas Adès, he is drawn to music’s capacity to communicate complex emotions and tell compelling stories. He hopes to contribute to the future of orchestral music through expressive performance, meaningful collaboration, and educational opportunities that connect new generations of musicians and listeners with the art form.
Through conducting, performing, and composing, Brady seeks to build a career devoted to the expressive possibilities of orchestral music and to sharing its transformative power with audiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did you start studying music?
I began studying piano at age 8, but wasn't very fond of playing. I decided at age 10 that violin seemed like more fun, so I made the switch.
What inspired you to start music?
My mother was a pianist, so at a very young age, I would often hear her playing pieces like Beethoven's Für Elise. I also enjoyed the TV show the Little Einsteins, which utilizes a fair amount of classical music. These are the two primary things that inspired me to start music.
What made you want to become a conductor?
When I was 12 years old, I was searching on YouTube for a recording of Beethoven's Symphony No. 9. I found a video, but wasn't a huge fan. I did a little more searching, and stumbled upon a video recording of Gustavo Dudamel conducting the piece. I had never heard of Dudamel prior to this point. I watched that performance, and I really enjoyed it. Dudamel appeared to be having so much fun that I decided that I wanted to be a conductor.
Who is your favorite composer?
Gustav Mahler is by far my favorite composer. However, I also love works by the other greats, including Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, and Mozart. Regarding more modern composers, I really enjoy the works of John Williams.