Jordan Lerner

Jordan Lerner is a New York-based saxophonist and music educator currently residing in Rochester, NY. Originally from the NYC area, Lerner's musical foundation began with ten years of classical piano training before he transitioned into jazz and improvisation. He holds a degree in Music Performance from the Eastman School of Music and a degree in Psychology from the University of Rochester. This dual background allows him to integrate psychological perspectives into his teaching of saxophone, piano, music theory, and improvisation, helping students of all backgrounds and levels find their unique voice by aligning learning with their thoughts and feelings. Lerner has performed with prestigious ensembles including the Berklee Jazz Ensemble, the U.S. All Eastern Jazz Ensemble, the U.S. All-National Jazz Band (notably selected as the only baritone saxophone player in the country in 2016), and the Eastman Jazz Ensemble. His professional stage experience includes collaborations with legendary groups and artists such as The Glenn Miller Orchestra, Tommy Dorsey and His Orchestra, The Temptations, The Four Tops, The O’Jays, and the Taru Alexander Quintet. He has also performed under the leadership of renowned musicians like Bill Dobbins, Joe Schafer, Michael Davis, Tony Kadleck, Dave Pietro, Chris Vadala, Danilo Perez, and Chris Crenshaw. Throughout his career, Lerner has been mentored by a distinguished list of educators and masters, including Paner Ying, Mike Capobianco, Charles Pillow, Dale Kleps, Roger Rosenberg, Ted Nash, Ed Joffe, Jeff Lange, Steve Greenfield, and Gary Smulyan. He remains dedicated to passing on the energy of jazz through both performance and education, fueled by the guidance and mentorship of these masters.