Oran Etkin started playing sax at the age of 9 and began studying with George Garzone at age 14. He studied classical clarinet as an undergraduate and received a Masters in Jazz Performance at the Manhattan School of Music. His unique voice on the clarinets and saxophone has contributed to numerous Jazz, African, Klezmer, Brazilian, traditional New Orleans and Classical groups in the US and abroad.
Over the past decade, he has collaborated with numerous West African musicians in the US and Africa. Oran's upcoming CD features traditional Malian Griot musicians alongside notable jazz musicians. His duo with Malian guitarist/vocalist Abdoulaye Diabate, in which Oran's bass clarinet is prominently featured, offers a more intimate context to explore acoustic African music.
Oran has performed at the Blue Note, Central Park SummerStage, the United Nations and numerous other venues in the US, Europe, Africa, the Caribbean and the Middle East. He has recorded with musicians including Wyclef Jean and Frank London and will soon release his debut recording as a leader.
Oran teaches saxophone, clarinet, piano and early childhood music. He is on the faculty of The Brooklyn Conservatory of Music and The Washington Market School . Oran has developed a unique program for 18 months - 6 year olds that focuses on strengthening foundations in pitch and rhythm and incorporates music from the US (jazz, bluegrass and blues), Africa, Brazil, Cuba, and Europe. He has implemented this program with over 200 students at the Washington Market School in Manhattan.
You can find more information and sound samples at his website oranetkin.com .
