Milan Rohatgi: Violin

Milan Rohatgi faced a pivotal crossroads as he navigated the path to his future. With the violin as his compass, Rohatgi set out on an alternate pathway, merging his passion for music with a flourishing love for computer science. His journey led him to mesmerizing performances at Carnegie Hall and victories in prestigious violin competitions in the Bay Area.

Rohatgi’s journey with the violin began at the age of 5, becoming his all-consuming extracurricular passion throughout his formative years. Immersed in music festivals during his summers, his love for the violin blossomed, prompting him to question whether a career as a violinist beckoned. “After eighth grade, I spent every summer at music festivals where my love for violin grew and I started considering whether I could see myself pursuing a career as a violinist,” Rohatgi said.

As college application season loomed, Rohatgi faced a crucial decision—choosing between an academic path or pursuing his musical dreams. He cast his net wide, applying to both academic colleges and music conservatories. The conservatory application process entailed rigorous pre-screening recordings and live auditions, where Rohatgi traveled across the country to perform for esteemed faculty members.

In the midst of these auditions, his aspirations crystallized. He made the decision to stay in the Bay Area, pursuing a major in computer science. However, Rohatgi’s passion for the violin remained steadfast, as he plans to join Stanford’s orchestra while continuing private lessons.

Reflecting on his unique journey, Rohatgi shared his thoughts. “The decision to pursue academics over a full-time musical career wasn’t easy, but I had to consider the reality of the music industry,” he said. “Nonetheless, the violin will forever be a part of me, and I’m excited to continue playing and exploring the intersection of music and technology.”