My name is Aaron Mitchell Irwin. I have been a music educator, composer and performer for over two decades in Southern California. As an Adjunct Professor of Music at Cuyamaca and Miramar College, I have taught Introduction to World Music, History of Jazz, Contemporary and West African Music Ensembles. As the Director of Music at STEAM Academy La Presa for 20 years, I teach Modern Band, Latin Jazz Ensemble, Music Technology, Chamber Choir and World Drumming. I also serve as the La Mesa-Spring Valley School District (LMSVSD) Music Induction Mentor, and Music Content Lead. I have worked with the Center for World Music as a teaching artist and ensemble-in-residence member since 2002. 

As a music composer, I have created several songs for the LMSVSD 20/20 Committee. My most recent documentary I have composed music for, Down On The Ranch (2022) by Scott Campbell, was nominated for Local Favorite at the G.I. Film festival and debuted at the AmDocs Film Festival in 2022. I am currently composing music for a local documentary on a very high profile San Diego trial in the early 1990s. 

As a native of San Diego, I have performed with numerous local outfits, including my currently jazz project, The Hot Club of Bird Park, and collaborations with DJ and producer Tah Rei. I have toured throughout the United States and internationally and have won three San Diego Music Awards with Alfred Howard & The K23 Orchestra. 

I hold a Master's of Arts Degree in Ethnomusicology, a Bachelor's Degree in Music Performance and Education, and a California Clear Teaching Credential from San Diego State University. I have studied traditional West African music and dance at the University of Ghana at Legon, and taught and performed traditional Ghanaian music and dance for the Center for World Music in Bali, Indonesia. 

My current passions include co-facilitating grief tending rituals and sound baths with Amy Ma, M.Ed., facilitating yoga and drum circle classes at the San Carlos Community Garden, and volunteering/performing with the Church of Music.