James Aslanian, born December 1988, is a New Jersey based composer, saxophonist, and educator. He received his Bachelor of Music in Music Education and Performance from Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University graduating cum laude. He is currently enrolled in the graduate school at Montclair University pursuing a Masters in Music Theory and Composition. James has studied saxophone with Dr. Paul Cohen, Chad Smith, and Erik Donough. He has studied composition with Dr. Craig Levesque, Dr. David Sampson. He is currently studying with Dr. Chris Opperman at Montclair State University while seeking a masters in Music Theory & Composition.
James has a passion and love of music, which he endeavors to bring out in his writing, playing, and teaching. He strives to create exciting and passionate music that moves and ensnares audiences. In addition to performing with numerous pit orchestras throughout Northern New Jersey, he has performed with the Rutgers Symphony Band, Rutgers Wind Ensemble, Rutgers Symphony Orchestra, Rutgers Saxophone Quartet, Rutgers Saxophone Ensemble, Ridgewood Concert Band, Eastern Wind Symphony, and the North Jersey Wind Collective. He currently holds the Baritone Saxophone chair in the Metropolitan Saxophone Quartet. James is also the Director of Bands at High Point Regional High School and runs a private studio in the area.
James' music has been performed at Schare Recital Hall and Voorhees Chapel at Rutgers University, High Point Regional High School, Washington D.C., and at New York University.