AJ A.

AJ is a pianist, composer, and music educator based in Portland, Oregon. Shortly after immigrating to the US from the Philippines, AJ started classical piano lessons at the age of 5 years old. During his years studying classical piano, he participated in the National Federation of Music Clubs, in which he earned numerous awards for Outstanding Piano Solo and Concerto performances. Upon attending his first two years of college at Mt. Hood Community College, AJ was first introduced to the art of jazz music, and began studying with Mike Horsfall & Clay Giberson. His interest in jazz sparked and began to grow, which led him to transfer and study at Portland State University as a Jazz Piano major, studying with esteemed professors and musicians, George Colligan, Kerry Politzer, & Darrell Grant. ​His playing draws inspiration from his experience as a Filipinx, trans and queer individual navigating life through its different pathways. AJ recently graduated with a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies and will continue to work as a teacher and musician in the greater Portland & Seattle areas. Outside of music, AJ enjoys spending time with his wife Clair, family, friends, and pets!