Flying planes, giving A-list celebrities violin lessons and traveling all over the world to perform for royalty and government officials are just a few of Jassen Todorov’s hobbies.

However on a day when he is not soaring high above the clouds or exploring faraway places like Siberia, the 34-year-old can be found on the SF State campus mentoring and aiding in perfecting the crafts of students in the School of Music and Dance.

As the new director, Todorov looks to ignite his fiery passion for the arts through progressive change within the School of Music and Dance. His vision for change is to provide intensive staff and student support, in order to make the department the strongest it can possibly be. Todorov, who has worked at SF State since August 2003, said he will intertwine his experiences as both a student and faculty member to make this happen.

On Sept. 3, Todorov stood before an audience of new and transfer students. Behind him, a marquee behind him read "SFSU Music Department Informational Meeting." Dressed in a tailored navy blue suit and ebony leather dress shoes, the new director spent an hour introducing staff and providing detailed answers to any concerns students vocalized.

“My door is open to all of you,” declared the newly promoted violin professor as he extended his arms in a welcoming embrace.

According to Todorov’s website, he began his musical education in Bulgaria at the Schools of Music in Plovdiv and Sophia. He continued his education in the United States at the Idyllwild Arts Academy in Southern California. Todorov earned his bachelors degree in violin performance from Harid Conservatory, Florida and his master’s degree from the Eastman School in Rochester, New York.

All of his education was financed through the financial aid of scholarships. Todorov estimates being awarded $280,000 in scholarships that have covered the expenses of his education from high school to getting his doctoral degree.

“That’s why I kept on talking about scholarships in the meeting today,” explained Todorov as he sat behind an oval mahogany table in his office. The bare walls around him reflected the room's new occupancy. “It’s important and I believe in scholarships to benefit the students.”

To put his beliefs into action, Todorov started an annual event called Benefit’s scholarships, where faculty and guest musicians put on a concert. All of the proceeds from the event are applied towards a scholarship fund for students.

During his career as a violinist, Todorov performed approximately 400 concerts for people all over the world. He's also instructed many people— one of his more famous students is actor Mel Gibson.

Todorov acquired the position due to the department review that took place on the preceding SMD director, George DeGraffenreid. According to dance program coordinator Susan Whipp, every three years the director or chair of the SMD has a review of his or her performance. At this time, department members and outsourcing candidates can apply for election into the seat. The faculty votes on whom they believe will be the best candidate. Their decision is then passed on to the dean, who makes his recommendation to the provost who makes the final decision.

This past election had two faculty candidates in the running beside DeGraffenreid—Todorov and one other.

Whipp along with other faculty member believe Todorov was the best candidate for the position and has made significant changes in the department already.

"He’s an enabler,” said Whipp, who has worked at SF State for 25 years. “He asks us to think out of the box, because we certainly have our challenges with the budgeting, and so many students.”

Todorov said the inspiration behind his application for the position of director stemmed from the lack of leadership he felt from the preceding directors. Todorov stated that the chairs from the past five years had not been helpful, supportive, or encouraging in engaging the faculty to work together. The same feeling was expressed among other faculty members interviewed who asked not to be named due to political concerns.

“I didn’t want to see another person without vision, without energy or passion,” said Todorov, who believed that it was his duty and responsibility to run.

Many faculty members state that with Todorov as the new director, certain aspects of their jobs have become more enjoyable. For instance, the faculty meetings, which one member described as previously frustrating due to the lack of administrative leadership.

Some students say that Todorov's attitude will help bring the department together. Senior Wyatt Sweet described Todorov as a very energetic and charismatic professor with the power to inspire his students and staff. “He truly cares and wants to make changes in the department,” said the 23-year-old, who took Todorov’s career management course.

Todorov founded the course in order to educate students on how to be more marketable in the business world as musicians. However his focus is now aimed not so much at instructing but creating a learning environment like he did with the management course where the students and staff can flourish.The director said his first act towards creating this environment was to build a place where students could congregate in their free time—a student lounge.

Reflecting back to when he was a student, Todorov remembers how he always wanted a place to congregate with his fellow students. Unfortunately this never happened despite his numerous requests to the faculty. Therefore he decided to live out his dream vicariously through his students.

“I’ve created that room for you,” Todorov explained to the students at the informational meeting.“I want you to design and decorate it—put anything up that will make it an inspiring and exciting place.”

Aside from his activities surrounding the SMD, Todorov spends his free time flying planes and studying to become licensed as a Commercial Flight Instructor. This certification would allow him to teach people to fly planes—a hobby he's had for the past six years. The new director was also recently married.

Todorov said that his goal for this year will be to make the SMD one of the top schools in the country—stating that there is absolutely no reason why this could not be a possibility.

“We live in one of the best cities in the world,” said Todorov excitedly.“[The school and program] attracts the brightest, smartest and most talented students. Our program is wonderful—plus we have a great faculty.”

Many faculty members agree with Todorov and are looking forward to the positive changes they believe will be made as a result of his new position as the director of the SMD.

“Jassen Todorov is an excellent administrator and a fine artist,” said Dr. Cyrus Ginwala, graduate coordinator and conductor of the university orchestra in an email interview. "[The staff] is looking forward to his dynamic, inspired leadership, which is already evident in many positive changes.”