Aaron Kahn is an experimental trumpet soloist, creative entrepreneur, marketing writer, community engagement specialist, event producer, music educator, and public safety advocate. He was recently featured in the Oregon Jewish Review – the largest Jewish news publication in the state – as a “Portland-based trumpet virtuoso…signal[ing] and convey[ing] the importance of being a young adult Jew in today’s world.” His creative mission is to push creative boundaries, expand the imagination, and champion various humanitarian, environmental, political, and forward-moving spiritual causes – all in the name of individual and collective liberation.
First studying Music and Cognitive Psychology at McGill University in Montreal, QC, Canada, Aaron then got his Bachelor’s of Fine Arts from the California Institute of the Arts; and received his Master’s of Music in performance from the University of Oregon, where he served as the salaried Graduate Teaching Fellow for the trumpet studio under Brian McWhorter from 2015-2017. As an educator, Aaron has taken his skills and training taught in a variety of school settings around Portland in music and other academic subjects, including English and writing, a tool he has sharpened working for his family’s business, DesignWorlds for College, through May of 2024.
It is Aaron’s firm belief that music – and the creative act in general – brings people together, heals, uplifts, and emboldens them to take actions toward a better world. He has worked with some of the most creative and influential musicians and groups in the field, including Teddy Abrams and Michael Gordon at the Britt Festival; Mason Bates, David Rozenblatt, and Chicago (all Grammy winners); and PNW-based composer and double-NEA grant-awardee Justin Ralls. He has won a number of awards, scholarships, and fellowships, most recently the Arts3C Grant from RACC, the Regional Arts and Culture Council of Portland.
Aaron is currently working on a solo trumpet commission with Pulitzer-nominated and CKE-beloved composer Fredrick Kaufman whose works have been performed by major orchestras worldwide, and is the co-owner of a sound healing business whose trio consists of Certified Sound Healer Austin Kourakin and virtuoso pianist Sequoia intent on creating harmony in this world. This group, Anamnesis, just launched their debut album, Kairos in April of 2024. His mission is to establish a more just, virtuous, and peaceful world.
Austin started playing music at the age of eight on the
piano. Years later he fell in love with the guitar and began
to perform live. While at Rutgers University, he won first place in the Instrumental category at a talent show for his improvised composition.
He also was exposed to various
forms of electronic music during this time and began
mastering the art of music production.
After university, Austin moved to Florida where he continued playing live shows and refining his improvisational skills. A strong interest in holistic health lead him to began the bridge the gap between the world of music and wellness. Anamnesis was born from this bridge.
As a multi-instrumentalist and Ableton artist, Austin
combines live synths with ambient electric guitar to create
immersive sound journeys. His goal is to offer listeners a
unique experience, helping them find the sounds they
need to hear”
As a classical pianist, British-born Sequoia has worked for such companies as the Royal Opera House, English National Opera, Rambert Dance Company, the BBC Singers and the acclaimed music theater group, the Clod Ensemble. Since his arrival in Portland he has worked regularly for Portland Opera, Opera Theater Oregon and the Oregon Symphony Orchestra. He also enjoys working in progressive music outside of the classical box, and has performed and collaborated with the likes of rock legends Mark E Smith (The Fall), Damo Suzuki (Can), and jazz/improvising luminaries Meredith Monk, Jacqui Dankworth & Barb Jungr.
© 2024 Anamnesis Group | All Right Reserved