Overview
Colin Gordon is a saxophonist, composer, and music educator originally from Corning, New York. He has taught at Roberts Wesleyan University, Ithaca College, and the Eastman Community Music School (ECMS), working with students in saxophone, improvisation, music history, and music theory. His teaching is shaped by a wide-ranging musical background and a commitment to helping students develop both technically and creatively.
As a performer, Colin spent several years in New York City as a freelance musician, appearing at venues such as Smalls, Birdland, Smoke, ShapeShifter Lab, and Symphony Space. He has also played at international jazz festivals and clubs throughout Europe. From 2022 to 2025, he served in the U.S. Air Force Band of the Golden West, based in the San Francisco Bay Area. He has appeared as a soloist with ensembles including the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra under Jeff Tyzik and the UNLV Wind Orchestra at the Festival des Anches d’Azur in France.
Colin attended SUNY Purchase, the Prince Claus Conservatory in the Netherlands, and the Eastman School of Music. He co-authored A Practical Guide to Odd Meters and is currently developing a second book exploring microtonality in jazz. His musical influences include jazz greats like Charlie Parker, Sonny Stitt, and Lee Konitz, as well as global traditions and classical music.
After several years in New York City and the Bay Area, Colin is excited to return close to home and join the faculty at Cornell University.
