BIO

Praised by Percussive Notes Journal as “A Master of Musical Nuance”, ANDY HARNSBERGER enjoys a versatile career as a performer, composer, and educator. He has performed in musical venues across North America, South America, Australia, Japan, and Europe, and presents numerous solo recitals and clinics throughout the United States each year. He has been a featured artist at the Tamborimba Percussion Festival in Cali, Colombia and the Patagonia Percussion Festival in Argentina, and was on the artist/faculty for the Sulzbach-Rosenberg/Interharmony International Music Festival in Germany in 2014, 2015, and 2017. He has been a featured solo artist at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC), Spoleto Festival USA and Piccolo Spoleto Festival. He has also appeared as a guest clinician at many Percussive Arts Society Days of Percussion. His compact disc, “Vertigo,” has been recognized by the Percussive Arts Society as “a must purchase for anyone who collects important marimba recordings...His performance makes it clear that he is a master player, not only technically, but musically as well.”

Dr. Harnsberger is in demand as a recitalist and clinician across the country and internationally, presenting clinics and masterclasses at as many as 40 universities per year. His compositions have been performed at PASIC and around the world and he is a multiple recipient of the ASCAP PLUS award for his contributions to American Concert Music. He has performed with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Nashville Symphony Orchestra, Alabama Symphony Orchestra, Charleston Symphony Orchestra, Richmond Symphony and Richmond Ballet Orchestras, Key West Symphony Orchestra, Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra, Chattanooga Symphony Orchestra, Lancaster Symphony Orchestra, Macon Symphony Orchestra, Lynchburg Symphony Orchestra, Hilton Head Symphony, Long Bay Symphony, Gainesville Symphony, and Carroll Symphony Orchestra as well as the contemporary music ensemble “Currents”, and has toured extensively as percussionist and xylophone soloist with The Jack Daniel’s Silver Cornet Band. He has also made several guest appearances on National Public Radio, both in interviews, and live performances to bring public awareness to the marimba as a solo instrument.

Andy Harnsberger is Associate Professor of Music and Percussion Coordinator at Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee. He earned his Doctorate of Musical Arts in Performance and Literature at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, where he also received the prestigious Performer's Certificate. Andy has his own signature series mallets with Malletech and is a performing artist and clinician for Malletech Instruments and Mallets, Remo Drum Heads, Sabian Cymbals, Ltd., and Grover Pro Percussion.

Quotes...

“Harnsberger is a clear virtuoso...the recording (“Phoenix”) is superb. The sound quality is phenomenal, with a great sense of space around the performers, and yet everything is heard in miraculous detail. More than a disc for percussionists, this music deserves a wide currency. - Colin Clarke, Fanfare Magazine

"Andy Harnsberger is a joy to watch in performance and a feast for the ears. The sensitivity and strength in his live playing was a treasure for the audience...simply phenomenal!" - National Public Radio

"His performance was a vivid demonstration of the power of music...riveting and profoundly artistic." - Washington Post

"Andy plays with precision, power, and finesse. His enthusiasm and passion is evident in every note." - Creative Loafing, Atlanta, GA

“He plays the instrument with a splendid command and dramatic flair...an amazing exhibition of virtuosity." - Falls Church News Press

"His performance makes it clear that he is a master player, not only technically, but musically as well...A master of musical nuance...wonderfully played." - Percussive Notes Journal

"A tremendous display of technique and musicianship." - Percussive Notes Journal

"Andy Harnsberger's artistry on Vertigo is to be admired. This is a MUST HAVE CD for aficionados of the marimba." - John Beck, Professor Emeritus, Eastman School of Music