About
Aiden Coleman (b. 2003) is a trombonist, composer, and educator based in Chicago, IL. A recent addition to the Chicago scene, Coleman has already left his mark with his unique approach to improvisation and wide array of influences. Coleman brings an original approach to his instrument and composition, drawing inspiration from free improvisation to early jazz to American folk and roots music. Fascinated by music history, Coleman is constantly acquiring new musical interests and pushing the bounds of his artistry.
Coleman’s wealth of musical knowledge was fostered through his collaboration and mentorship from leading artists in the field. Coleman has appeared with projects led by or featuring Jason Moran, Anna Webber, Nicole Mitchell, Frank Carlberg, Dave Holland, Ingrid Jensen, Maria Schneider, Nasheet Waits, Mary Halverson, Aoife O’Donovan, Cecil McBee, John Hollenbeck, Branford Marsalis and many others. Coleman was also a member of the International Association for Schools of Jazz (IASJ) 2025 cohort, premiering his music with students from across the world. In his time at the New England Conservatory of Music, Coleman has studied a wide variety of musical styles both in and out of the Jazz discipline. In addition to his many performances with the NEC Jazz Orchestra and NEC Jazz Composer’s Workshop Orchestra, Coleman constantly sought out new and different musical opportunities within the program. He has participated in the school’s Klezmer Ensemble, played in the pit for multiple operas, played in the NEC Wind Ensemble and the early jazz ensemble, along with many others.
In addition to his growing influence as a player, Coleman’s unique compositional style in both small and large ensemble formats sets him apart. In addition to a variety of small ensemble projects, his large ensemble compositions have been played by the NEC Jazz Orchestra and the NEC Youth Jazz Orchestra, as well as in multiple local big bands. Coleman has cultivated his passion for large ensemble playing both within the NEC community in the NEC Jazz Orchestra and the Jazz Composer’s Workshop Orchestra (founded by Bob Brookmeyer), along with many local projects in and around the Boston area by similarly minded young composers.
Born and raised in Westchester, New York, Coleman was a member of the Jazz at Lincoln Center High School Jazz Academy and studied at Manhattan School of Music’s pre-college program. In his time at these institutions, along with his time at NEC, Coleman has caught the attention and studied with such prolific musicians as Wycliffe Gordon, Michael Dease, Chris Crenshaw, Kalia Vendever, Marshall Gilkes, Elliot Mason, Jason Palmer, Jason Moran, Jerry Bergonzi, and many others. All of these pivotal figures have furthered Coleman’s keen interest in learning and growing his craft both on and off of the instrument.