Aden Brooks is a Schenectady native, ESYO alumnus, and dedicated music educator whose career spans teaching, conducting, performance, and arts leadership. He joins ESYO as Associate Director of CHIME, bringing a passion for expanding access to high-quality music education and fostering meaningful musical experiences for young people.
Aden recently served as Lecturer of Music Theory and Aural Skills at the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami and was a Visiting Professor of Trombone at Miami Dade College. His teaching experience also includes serving as Low Brass Instructor at Westminster Christian School in Miami and as Program Coordinator, Classroom Educator, and Private Instructor with NYC Guitar School. His connection to ESYO extends beyond his years as a student; he previously founded and directed ESYO’s Winds/Brass Program and has served as a Young Leader Mentor for the organization.
He earned a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Trombone Performance with a minor in Conducting from the Frost School of Music, where he studied trombone with Tim Conner and conducting with Robert Carnochan and Gerard Schwarz. He holds a Master of Music degree from Manhattan School of Music, where he studied with Per Brevig, and a Bachelor of Music degree from the Eastman School of Music, where he studied with John “Doc” Marcellus.
An active performer, Aden’s musical experiences encompass both classical and commercial music. In 2024, he toured nationally as a trombonist with Bad Bunny on the Most Wanted Tour, and received a Latin GRAMMY Award for his recording work on Marcos Witt’s album Viviré. He has performed regularly with ensembles throughout South Florida, including Palm Beach Symphony, Florida Grand Opera, Boca Symphonia, and Nu Deco Ensemble. He continues to serve as Second Trombonist with the Atlantic Classical Orchestra (Vero Beach, FL). His recording and performance credits also include projects produced by Emilio Estefan, appearances on national television, and collaborations across orchestral, chamber, commercial, and vocal music settings.
Aden is honored to return to the organization that helped shape his own musical journey and is excited to help advance CHIME’s mission of inspiring, educating, and empowering young musicians throughout the Capital Region.