About Aidan Furlong
Aidan Furlong is a woodwind and piano teacher with LIYH, as well as a low woodwind specialist and composer in the Denver Metro area. An energetic and enthusiastic teacher, he believes that music can and should be fun from the start.
More than a decade ago, Aidan picked up the saxophone and knew music would play an integral part in his life. Continuing his saxophone study through middle and high schools, he also added bass clarinet, additional saxophones, Bb clarinet and flute to his repertoire during the latter. It was during this time that Aidan decided to pursue music at a professional level.
Aidan received his Bachelor of Music degree in Jazz Studies at Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University in 2018, under the mentorship of Gary Smulyan. While at Mason Gross, he was able to stretch out from the jazz department and compose for electronics and ensembles, join the indie dream-pop outfit halcionne, and develop his skills in various DAWs (particularly Ableton Live). He quotes John Coltrane, Kendrick Lamar, and Tom Harrell among his biggest influences.
In the NYC area, Aidan studied with the NEA Jazz Master Barry Harris and played in Dr. Harris's jazz orchestra, all while continuing to marry these seemingly disparate worlds of electronic, folk, and jazz in his own music, and whenever the musical situation is appropriate. While working with Dr. Harris, Aidan took an additional interest in expanding his skills on the piano, attending Dr. Harris's piano class each week. Since then, he has taught piano to both beginners and secondary instrumentalists, with a special interest in using student's newfound skills to explore all aspects of harmony and composition.
An avid educator, Aidan delights in sharing the joy of making music with students of all levels. His teaching philosophy includes improvisation and composition from the very first notes. Though woodwinds are often thought of as primarily melodic instruments, Aidan believes that the elements of melody, harmony and rhythm carry equal weight. He strives to teach each of these aspects so his students may have the best tools to enjoy music both now and for the rest of their lives. With piano students, he believes in establishing a strong foundation and maximizing music theory study, as the piano presents a great opportunity for advancing note reading and rhythm principles. With all instruments, Aidan encourages his students to learn a variety of genres and enjoys helping them find the music that speaks to their soul.
More than anything else, Aidan hopes to inspire his students to find what they love about music and make it their own. He hopes they will carry music in their hearts, no matter where their journey takes them.
