Max Schwimmer

Alto and Soprano Saxophone

Max Schwimmer brings a keen sense of creativity and exploration to the saxophone. His chamber music and solo projects span classical music, jazz, klezmer, and beyond. In addition to Driftwood, Max performs with the saxophone ensemble Sax Mirage as well as the Scottsdale Community College Jazz Orchestra. He also leads the Little Chef Klezmer Band, performing high-energy traditional Jewish instrumental music. 

Past performance highlights include a tour in Ukraine with organist Elena Udras as well as appearances with Juilliard Orchestra under Marin Alsop at Carnegie Hall, the U.S. Coast Guard Band, and Philadelphia's International Opera Theater in Italy. As a founding member of the Asylum Quartet, he received praise for “nonstop virtuoso skills” (Times Herald-Record) and “evocative, educational and refreshing concerts” (Newport Daily News), playing at the Boston Athenaeum, the Newport Music Festival, and the International Festival of Arts and Ideas. A passionate educator, Max has worked with over 2,500 students in one-on-one saxophone lessons, educational workshops, and outreach concerts. 

Max holds a Master's of Music from The Hartt School at the University of Hartford where he studied with Carrie Koffman. He completed a Bachelor of Music from Arizona State University's Herberger Institute of Design and the Arts School of Music as a student of Dr. Timothy McAllister. He has completed additional studies in klezmer style with Christina Crowder, Zilyn Biret, and Susie Evans. 

When not playing saxophone, Max works as a digital marketing manager.