AIDAN O'CONNOR
Saxophonist - Composer

BIO
Aidan O'Connor is an emerging voice on the tenor saxophone with a distinctive sound and a reverence for the Jazz tradition.
Aidan has had the privilege of working alongside world-class musicians such as John Benitez, The Ed Palermo Big Band, The Jim Cifelli Nonet, The Dave Rivello Ensemble, and the Glenn Miller Orchestra. He has also had the privilege of performing at some of the main stages of the New York Jazz scene, such as Smalls Jazz Club, Room 623, and Umbra Jazz.
Aidan is also an accomplished recording artist and bandleader. In September of 2025, he released his debut album “Conception” featuring rising Jazz talents Evan Main on piano, Quinton Cain on drums, and bassist John Lind. Aidan will be making his international debut in March of 2026, taking his band on tour to Mexico City.
A graduate from the Eastman School of Music, Aidan studied with and was mentored by Charles Pillow and Bill Dobbins. Aidan is currently pursuing his Masters of Music from the Manhattan School of Music and studies under Dayna Stephens and Mark Shim. He is slated to graduate in May of 2026.
Aidan has been recognized by various Jazz organizations. In 2019, Aidan was selected to take part in the prestigious Jazz Aspen-Snowmass Academy, directed by Christian McBride. In 2021, Aidan was awarded third place in the Vandoren Emerging Artist Competition.

All Videos


"Lush Life" (Billy Strayhorn) - Aidan O'Connor

"Blues After You"

"Season of Life" - Aidan O'Connor Quartet

"Bembé" - Aidan O'Connor Quartet
PRIVATE LESSONS
Saxophone, Improvisation, Flute, Clarinet
" I rarely recommend teachers but Aidan will be a great teacher ..."
- Alexander Knox, Director of New Jersey Woodwind Studio
If you are interested in taking lessons with Aidan please send an email to aoconnor184@gmail.com.
TRANSCRIPTIONS
PDF files of solos I have transcribed for Bb and concert instruments
"LONNIE'S LAMENT" JOE LOVANO, 1995
Joe Lovano's solo over John Coltrane's "Lonnie's Lament". From "Joe Lovano Quartets - Live at the Village Vanguard"
Both Bb and Concert versions are included in the PDF.
"I LOVE YOU"
JOHN COLTRANE, 1961
John Coltrane's solo over Cole Porter's "I Love You". From "Lush Life"
Both Bb and Concert versions are included in the PDF.
"DAAHOUD"CLIFFORD BROWN, 1954
Clifford's first chorus on Daahoud off of the Album Max Roach and Clifford Brown
"IMPRESSIONS" JOHN COLTRANE, 1963
John Coltrane's first few chours' from a 1963 broadcast of "Jazz Casual". This recording can be found on youtube
"BLUES" MARK TURNER, 1995
Mark Turners solo on the Blues from his 1995 album "Yam Yam"
"HINDSIGHT" WILL VINSON, 2012
Will Vincent's solo over Cedar Walton's composition "Hindsight". This track is from Joe Sander's 2012 album "Introducing Joe Sanders".
"RAIN CHECK" SONNY ROLLINS, 1956
Sonny Rollins' solo over the Billy Strayhorn composition "Rain Check" from Work Time
CONTACT
Want to learn more about Aidan O'Connor, his music, booking or lessons? Don’t hesitate to get in touch.
(917) 862-0023




