AIDAN O'CONNOR
Saxophonist - Composer
BIO
Aidan O'Connor is a New York City based saxophonist, composer, and bandleader.
He has performed at New York City jazz venues including Smalls Jazz Club, Dizzy’s Club, Ornithology Jazz Club, and Room 623. He has collaborated with musicians such as Grammy award winner John Benitez and large ensembles such as The Ed Palermo Big Band. Aidan made his international debut in March of 2026, taking his band on tour to Miami and Mexico City.
In September 2025, O’Connor released his debut album Conception featuring New York musicians Evan Main, Quinton Cain, and John Lind. This album brings together bebop-inspired compositions, lyrical ballad playing, and an interpretation of Irish traditional music.
A graduate of the Eastman School of Music, O’Connor studied with Charles Pillow and Bill Dobbins. He later earned a Master of Music degree from the Manhattan School of Music in spring 2026, studying saxophone with Dayna Stephens and Mark Shim.
His honors include selection to the 2019 Jazz Aspen Snowmass Academy under the direction of Christian McBride, third place in the 2021 Vandoren Emerging Artist Competition, and participation in the 2026 Steans Institute at the Ravinia Festival.
Aidan will perform as a member of the 2026/2027 FocusYear Band.
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
