♡

Autumn Dominguez is a versatile saxophonist, vocalist, songwriter, arranger, bandleader, and educator based out of New Orleans, Louisiana. Though she works primarily as a freelance jazz saxophonist and educator, Dominguez’s eclectic songwriting has recently blossomed and has created a new niche within her community. Her latest original project, “grief songs,” is an alternative blend of jazz and indie pop; where her unique vocals, honest lyricism, and clever chord progressions meet her Bird-inspired saxophone playing.

Autumn is originally from the small mountain town Prescott, Arizona, where she was born and raised by her father and grandparents. Her grandfather shared his passion for music with her at a young age by showing her records and gifting her a guitar. Dominguez began to play – singing and exploring different genres at just 9 years old. She later switched to saxophone at age 11 and played in all the bands throughout grade school, eventually going on to pursue it as a career path at age 18. Dominguez moved to Tucson, Arizona to study both classical and jazz saxophone at the Fred Fox School of Music, where she was mentored by classical savant Dr. Edward Goodman and masterful tenor saxophonist Brice Winston, to name a few. Dominguez graduated with a Bachelor of Music Performance degree in 2019.

“I am impressed by her work ethic, determination, and musical leadership.”
– Dr. Angelo Versace, UA Director of Jazz Studies 

♡

Dominguez’s music career began in Tucson when she was still studying at UA. From starting her own quintet and putting on her own events, to opening up the Tucson Jazz Festival, to recording her first self-produced record, “Sunflower Seeds.” Though, if you ask her, she’ll tell you it all started with Strawberry Jam™. Dominguez was working part-time at a cafe/bar on campus called Espresso Art Café, and it was there that Strawberry Jam™, her first community project, was born. What started as a small jazz jam session in the back of the bar eventually became one of the most popular sessions in the state of Arizona - people were driving hours from different cities to participate. After nearly five years of success, drummer and club manager Arthur Vint asked Dominguez to start a session at his brand new club, The Century Room, a now very well-known borderlands jazz club in Tucson. She created and hosted their weekly Sunday jam session until she moved to New Orleans in June 2022. Dominguez attributes her success and cherished fanbase to the visibility that the sessions provided her with in her time spent in Tucson. 

Now in New Orleans, Dominguez has been blessed with a variety of opportunities, both as a performer and an educator. As a sideman, she has had the opportunity to perform with artists such as Gabrielle Cavassa, the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, Branden Lewis, and Ashlin Parker’s Trumpet Mafia™, with whom she performed at Jazz Fest in 2024 and 2025. As a bandleader, Dominguez’s new cross-genre project is flourishing - her 8-piece group has its own genre, which she refers to as "sad girl soul rock." Dominguez is also a composer and arranger for hire. Her most recent commission was for a New Orleans contemporary dance company, Melange, where she was hired to transcribe ten recordings and arrange them for an eight-piece band to be performed live behind a choreographed show. 

As an educator, in early 2024 she was hired to go on an in-state tour with an all female jazz group, sponsored by Louisiana State University, to perform for and educate young, aspiring musicians. Most notably, Dominguez had the privilege to be on faculty at the well-renowned Birch Creek Summer Music Academy in July 2024, where she mentored high school students interested in pursuing jazz and served as the faculty orchestra's youngest-ever lead alto player. Dominguez currently has a private studio of students, in addition to teaching weekly at the Don “Moose” Jamison Heritage School of Music in New Orleans. 

Now, with two records out, Dominguez’s main focus is to continue writing songs and eventually release a new, all original third record. Stay tuned! 
♡