Max Schwimmer

Max Schwimmer is a versatile saxophonist and a dedicated educator specializing in classical, jazz, and klezmer music. He holds a Master's in Music (M.M.) degree in saxophone performance from The Hartt School (2013) where he studied with Carrie Koffman, and a Bachelor's in Music (B.M.) degree in saxophone performance with honors from Arizona State University (2011), where he studied with Timothy McAllister. 

As a performer, Max is active across jazz, klezmer, and chamber music, working as a saxophonist, band leader, arranger, and festival organizer. Recent performance highlights include the 2025 "A South Shore Christmas" national tour with The Bergamot, shows with JFUNK at Scottsdale Center for the Arts and Linger Longer Lounge in 2026, and baritone saxophone chair in the Scottsdale Community College Jazz Orchestra since 2021 appearing with touring guest artists at The Nash, Phoenix's premiere jazz venue. 

Max has taught private saxophone lessons for over 15 years, working with more than 2,500 students in lessons, workshops, and outreach sessions in Connecticut, New York, Arizona, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and online. His private students have been placed into selective programs including the Greater Hartford Youth Wind Ensemble at The Hartt School, the CMEA and MMEA All-State Bands, and Interlochen Arts Camp. One student, working with Max for nearly five years, won first prize and a $1,000 scholarship at the Doylestown Symphonic Winds competition, performing the Glazunov saxophone concerto from memory. He has served on faculty of Paradise Valley Community College (AZ) in 2024, Manchester Community College (CT), and Camp Encore/Coda (ME) in 2027.

What sets Max apart is providing a comprehensive foundation in saxophone that incorporates ear training — a method common in jazz but rare in classical pedagogy – providing a valuable skillset transferable to learning all styles of music. Students learn to transcribe exemplary recordings by ear, absorbing phrasing, tone, and expression directly from great performers rather than only from the page. Max credits this method to his own success across genres, including klezmer music, where he has become an accomplished saxophone performer, band leader, and festival organizer.