BIO

Aidan O’Connor is an emerging band leader, saxophonist, and composer based in Harlem. 

As a band leader and composer, Aidan strives to write and perform music that reflects his musical influences and his own personal sound. He draws inspiration from the rich tenor saxophone tradition and is particularly influenced by John Coltrane, Stan Getz, Dexter Gordon, and Sonny Stitt. He has performed with his quartet in various venues in NYC and the surrounding areas such as Room 623 in Harlem, Fiction Bar, and the Rochester International Jazz Festival. 

Aidan’s abilities as a strong reader, competent woodwind doubler, and flexible improviser have made him a regular member and sub of several large ensembles such as The Ed Palermo Big Band, The Glenn Miller Orchestra, The Jim Cifelli Nonet and The High Standards Orchestra.

Aidan graduated from the Eastman School of Music in the Spring of 2019, earning a BM in Jazz and Contemporary Media. There Aidan studied primarily with renowned woodwind specialist Charles Pillow. He also studied composition and arranging with Bill Dobbins. 

In 2021, Aidan was awarded 3rd place in the Vandoren Emerging Artist jazz saxophone competition. 

Aidan looks forward to continuing his studies at the Manhattan School of Music this fall, where he is slated to graduate with his Masters of Music in 26’