As Ahmad Duncan prepares to cross the commencement stage, he’s doing so with a baton in one hand and a bold creative vision in the other. A music composition major, Duncan is also the 2025–2026 Undergraduate Wind and Percussion Conducting Competition winner, earning the opportunity to study conducting privately with Professor Reid and to lead the Georgia State Wind Orchestra in performance this spring.
Ahead of his graduation and his upcoming April 23 concert at the Rialto Center for the Arts, we sat down for a candid and occasionally nerdy conversation about his journey, his music and what comes next.
Tell us a little about yourself and what brought you to the Georgia State University School of Music.
I’ve lived in Fayetteville, Georgia, about 30 minutes south of Atlanta, my whole life. I decided to attend the GSU School of Music because it is close to home and my family was familiar with the university since my older sister was already attending. I was also reached out to by Dr. Dahl to shadow a student and observe classes. I was enriched by the vibrant and collaborative community I saw between students and amazed by the high standard of music being performed. I knew I needed to be in a community that was just as crazy about music as I was, and I finally said, “GSU is perfect for an undergrad.”
What first sparked your interest in music and led you to pursue it in college?
I’ve played bassoon since the sixth grade, and my perfectionistic attitude and competitive ego made me want to apply myself at the highest level possible. It became my obsession. In high school, I gained a huge fascination for music theory. Learning how music works felt like magic because I was finally understanding why music sounds the way it does. With my combined obsessions for bassoon and theory, I knew by the tenth grade that music was my path.
Did you enter Georgia State as a music major?
I’ve proudly been a music major the whole time with no doubts in my mind.
What has been your favorite class or professor and why?
My favorite class has definitely been Panther Basketball Band with Professor Reid. It’s brought together some of the most fun experiences I’ve had here, from playing fun music to being around fun people and cheering at basketball games. I’m currently in my second year, and my only regret is not having this be my third. I find myself saying, “I need Basketball Band,” because it brings that much joy to my school experience.
What is a performance or project you are especially proud of?
My proudest performance was competing in the finals of the Brumby Concerto Competition with Double Concerto for Clarinet and Bassoon by Jonathan Leshnoff. My girlfriend, Jadyn Green, and I worked on this professional-grade piece for about a year while balancing our own juries and schedules. We rehearsed mostly on our own and gave a performance full of energy, drive and collaboration. We didn’t win, but I remain incredibly proud knowing how much of it was our own doing.
How did you balance practice, rehearsals and academic work?
Looking back, I have little idea how I did it. What really helped was having systems, habits and standards. I set expectations for how much I practiced, attended class and completed academic work. What mattered most was having a reason behind it. Once the habits were built, it became easier to maintain them.
How have you been involved in the musical community beyond classes?
I’ve been involved through Panther Marching Band, freelance bassoon work with regional ensembles and volunteering with Double Reed Day. I currently teach bassoon lessons in Carrollton County, and as a composer, I’ve written for young band programs in Fayette County.
How has being part of the School of Music influenced you personally?
No one taught me how to be more creative, but the program allowed me to be confident in my creativity through acceptance. What allowed my creativity to blossom was the support I received from professors and peers after putting myself out there.
What does winning the Undergraduate Wind and Percussion Conducting Competition mean to you?
It’s a huge honor. I’ll be taking private conducting lessons with Professor Reid and conducting a piece with the Georgia State Wind Orchestra this April. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity.
As you graduate, what are you most excited about next?
I’m excited about building the lifestyle I envision for myself. I want more time to focus on composing the music I want to write, teaching lessons and creating a sustainable path that nurtures both me and my art.
What kind of impact do you hope to have with your music?
I hope my music is played and commissioned by ensembles across the country and possibly internationally. I want my music to inspire fun and creativity, and if it impacts even one person, that would mean everything to me.
Do you have a favorite memory from your time at the School of Music?
Learning how to play Dungeons and Dragons with members of the double reed studio. It brought together creativity, storytelling and community in a way that was unforgettable.
What advice would you give to incoming music students?
Be professional. Be open. And understand that the curriculum alone won’t give you everything you need. Take responsibility for learning beyond what’s required and be easy to work with.