Aaron Dworkin

A 2005 MacArthur Fellow and Member of the Obama National Arts Policy Committee, Aaron P. Dworkin is the Founder and President of the Sphinx Organization, the leading national arts organization that focuses on youth development and diversity in classical music. An author, social entrepreneur, artist-citizen, and avid youth education advocate, he has received extensive national recognition for his vast accomplishments.

An accomplished electric and acoustic violinist, Mr. Dworkin received his Bachelor of Music and Master of Music in Violin Performance from the University of Michigan School of Music, graduating with high honors. He attended the Peabody Institute, the Philadelphia New School, and the Interlochen Arts Academy, studying with Vladimir Graffman, Berl Senofsky, Jascha Brodsky, John Eaken, Renata Knific, Donald Hopkins, and Stephen Shipps.

In his role as a visionary leader, Mr. Dworkin has led two phases of strategic planning with the Sphinx Organization. He also served as the Co-chair of the Arts and Cultural Education Task Force for the State of Michigan designing the required arts curriculum for Michigan schools and serves as Co-chair of the Planning Task Force which oversees the strategic merger of ArtServe Michigan (statewide arts advocacy organization) and MACAA (Michigan Association of Community Arts Agencies). In addition, Mr. Dworkin serves on other strategic planning committees including the American Symphony Orchestra League.

Mr. Dworkin currently serves on the Board of Directors of Michigan’s highly esteemed University Musical Society, Alumni Association of the University of Michigan, National Society for the Gifted and Talented, Artserve Michigan, Walnut Hill School, WRCJ 90.9 Detroit Classical and Jazz Radio, and the NEW (Non-Profit Enterprise at Work) Center. He is also a member of the Advisory Board of ASTA Alternative Strings Awards, National Association of Arts Presenters, Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, Rachel Barton Pine Foundation, and the Avery Fisher Artist Program.

A lifelong musician, Mr. Dworkin is an accomplished acoustic and electric violinist, a spoken-word and visual artist. He has strong interests in politics, world history, and issues of economic and social injustice. In addition to various genres of music, he enjoys travel and culinary arts.