Aaron Zalkind

Principal Trombone

Originally from Salt Lake City, Aaron Zalkind joined the New Mexico Philharmonic as Principal Trombone in 2021. In addition to his time playing in New Mexico, Aaron also performs frequently with the Colorado Symphony and the Boulder Philharmonic.

Zalkind has been a member of several music festivals throughout the United States, including the National Repertory Orchestra, the Breckenridge Music Festival, the Texas Music Festival, and the National Orchestral Institute.

In 2019, Aaron was awarded second prize at the Zellmer Trombone Competition, as well as two first-prize awards at the International Women’s Brass Conference competitions. Zalkind also took first prize at the University of Colorado Honor’s competition in 2018. An avid chamber musician, Aaron was a member of the Juilliard Trombone Quartet, who in 2016 took first prize at the American trombone workshop in Washington, D.C.

Aaron holds a doctorate from the University of Colorado, a Master’s degree from The Juilliard School, and a Bachelor’s degree from Indiana University. His primary mentors include William Stanley, Joseph Alessi, Peter Ellefson, and Larry Zalkind.

Aaron currently resides in Colorado with his wife, Sarah, and their dog, Kiva.