Concert organist Aaron Tan is a leading young artist in North America. He is the only person to have received first-prize in three of the most major North American organ competitions: the Canadian RCCO National Organ Competition, the AGO National Young Artists Competition in Organ Playing (NYACOP), and the Canadian International Organ Competition (CIOC). Originally from the Philippines and Canada, he is an organist and pianist who enjoys multi-faceted careers as a musician and a materials scientist. His primary musical tutelage has been with John Tuttle, David Palmer, Joel Hastings, Martin Jean, and David Higgs.
Mr. Tan is currently pursuing doctoral studies at Eastman School of Music and also serves as Organist and Director of Music the Episcopal Church of St. Luke & St. Simon Cyrene, Rochester, NY. Recently he was also appointed as an Instructor of Piano at Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, NY, as well as an Organ Instructor at Eastman School of Music. He received his MM and MMA from Yale University. Previously he has served as Organ Scholar at St. John's Episcopal Church, Detroit, Michigan, Artist in Residence at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, Detroit, and Organ Scholar at the Church of the Resurrection, New York City, and as Director of Music at St. Alban's Catholic Church (Ordinariate). In 2019, Aaron released his first commercial recording, "Impressions". His second album, "Aux étoiles", was released in October 2023, and features rarely heard post-Romantic works by Karg-Elert, Whitlock, Laurin, and Duparc, among others.
As a scientist, Aaron holds a Ph.D. in Materials Science from the University of Michigan and worked there as a postdoctoral researcher after earning his degree, studying polymer thin films.
More information about Aaron's musical interests and activities can be found at
www.aarontan.org