Named a 2005 MacArthur Fellow, a Member of the Obama National Arts Policy Committee and President Obama’s first appointee to the National Council on the Arts, Dr. 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 an avid youth education advocate, he has received extensive national recognition for his vast accomplishments. His memoir titled “Uncommon Rhythm: A Black, White, Jewish, Jehovah's Witness, Irish Catholic Adoptee's Journey to Leadership” was recently released through Aquarius Press.

He has been featured in People Magazine, on NBC’s Today Show and Nightly News with Brian Williams, named one of Newsweek’s 15 People Who Make America Great.  He is the recipient of the National Governors Association 2005 Distinguished Service to State Government Award, Detroit Symphony’s 2007 Lifetime Achievement Award, 2003 Michiganian of the Year, Crain’s 40 Under 40, BET’s History Makers in the Making Award and AT&T Excellence in Education Award.

Dr. Dworkin authored an autobiographical poetry collection entitled “They Said I Wasn’t Really Black” as well as a children’s book entitled “The 1st Adventure of Chilli Pepperz”.  A passionate advocate for excellence in music education and diversity in the performing arts, Dr. Dworkin has been a frequent keynote speaker and lecturer at numerous national conferences including The Aspen Ideas Festival, Chautauqua and many national service organizations.

A lifelong musician, Dr. 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 justice.  In addition to various genres of music, he enjoys travel and culinary arts.

To learn more about Aaron visit www.AaronDworkin.com

• 2006 Newsweek Giving Back Award
• 2005 MacArthur Fellow
• 2005 National Governors Award
• 2003 Michigan Governors Award for Arts & Culture
• 2003 Michiganian of the Year, Detroit News
• 2002 5 Under 10 Award, University of Michigan's African-American Alumni Council
• SBC Ameritech Excellence Award
• Member, Obama National Arts Policy Committee
• President Obama’s first appointee to the National Council on the Arts
• Board of Directors, University Musical Society in Ann Arbor, MI , ArtServe Michigan, Walnut Hill School, WRCJ
• Advisory Board, ASTA 2003 Alternative Strings Awards, Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, From The Top radio program
• Lecturer/commencement speaker, University of Michigan, Bowling Green State University, Longy Conservatory
• Speaker on the topic of diversity in the arts at national conferences for the American Symphony Orchestra League, National Suzuki Association, National Guild of Community Schools of the Arts and National Association for Negro Musicians
• Panelist, Arts Organization Development Committee of the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, the MetLife Awards for Excellence in Community Engagement, the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies and Arts Presenters