AJ Allida
Piano Teacher
Bachelor of Music - Jazz Studies, Portland State University 2025
AJ is a pianist, composer, and music educator based in Portland, Oregon. AJ started classical piano lessons at the age of 5, just a couple of years after immigrating to the U.S. from the Philippines. During his years studying classical piano, he participated in the National Federation of Music Clubs, where he earned numerous Superior ratings and six Gold Cup awards for outstanding piano solo and concerto performances.
AJ grew up in Hillsboro, Oregon, playing percussion and piano for his school’s concert and jazz bands. Upon attending his first two years of college at Mt. Hood Community College, AJ was officially introduced to the art of jazz music and began studying with Mike Horsfall and Clay Giberson. His interest in jazz sparked and began to grow, leading him to transfer and study at Portland State University as a Jazz Piano major, where he studied with esteemed professors and musicians George Colligan and Darrell Grant.
AJ will graduate with a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies this spring and will continue to work as a teacher and musician in the greater Portland area. Outside of music, AJ enjoys spending time with his fiancée, family, friends, and pets!
Q&A
What is your teaching philosophy?
To encourage and inspire others to pursue their dreams and passions in a safe, inclusive, and positive environment.
Who is your hero?
My mom! She is the kindest, generous, and most loving human ever. She has done so much for my family and I. :)
If you could time travel, where would you go?
I would go to the 1950s in New York and watch some jazz!
