Aaron Irwin

Saxophonist, multi-woodwind instrumentalist, and composer Aaron Irwin is from central IL. Recognized as a “lyrical alto saxophonist and a compelling original composer” (Steve Futterman, The New Yorker), Irwin is a sought-after presence in both the jazz andcommercial worlds. He has eight recordings of original music as a leader, with instrumentations spanning from trio to sextet. His recent work as a leader focuses on long-running collaborative ensembles that draw from jazz, American vernacular traditions, and song-centered improvisation. In addition to his own groups, Irwin has performed with many leading jazz voices in the New York music community including the Grammy-nominated Darcy James Argue’s Secret Society, Jamie Baum’s Septet+, Bob Sabin’s Tentet, The Mike Fahie Jazz Orchestra, the mixed wind group Weathervest, as well as pop artists Kristen Chenoweth, Rufus Wainwright, Josh Groban, Idina Menzel, and The Roots. Irwin maintains a busy schedule as a freelance musician, performing in jazz clubs, concerthalls, and Broadway theatres, working with many of New York’s finest musicians and bands.

Irwin holds a bachelor’s degree in music from DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois and a master’s degree in music from the University of Miami in Miami, Florida. He is a dedicated educator with over 20 years of teaching experience and is on faculty at the Packer Collegiate Institute in Brooklyn, New York, having served as adjunct saxophone professor at Towson University in Baltimore, Maryland from 2017–2023.