Altin Sencalar
Trombonist and composer Altin Sencalar has emerged as one of the most dynamic voices of his generation, blending virtuosity, versatility, and deep musical roots into a compelling artistic presence. A Yamaha Performing Artist and Posi-Tone Recording Artist, Sencalar’s music reflects his Mexican, Turkish, and Texan heritage with a fresh, forward-looking perspective.
Sencalar began his studies at Texas State University with Freddie Mendoza before moving to the University of Texas at Austin’s Butler School of Music, where he studied under Andre Hayward. While in Austin, he became an integral part of the local scene, earning a “2017 Top 10 Austin Music Awards Horn Player” nod and recording his debut album Introducing Altin Sencalar.
After completing his bachelor’s degree, Sencalar toured internationally as a soloist with the UT Jazz Orchestra, performing at the Montreux Jazz Festival, North Sea Jazz Festival, and Luxembourg Gardens in Paris. He later earned his Master of Music degree in Jazz Studies at Michigan State University, serving as Graduate Assistant to Michael Dease and Rodney Whitaker. While at MSU, he co-founded the Sencalar/Glassman Quintet, releasing two collaborative albums.
His subsequent leader projects on Posi-Tone — In Good Standing (2023), Discover The Present (2024), and Unleashed (2025) — highlight his growth as a composer, musician, and bandleader.
Sencalar has performed and/or recorded with Dee Dee Bridgewater, Christian McBride, Michael Bublé, Dafnis Prieto, Ulysses Owens Jr., Rodney Whitaker, The Temptations, The Four Tops, and many more. His versatility has also led to studio work for major motion pictures, including Puss in Boots: The Last Wish and My Little Pony: The Movie.
As an educator, Sencalar has held faculty positions at Michigan State University, Brevard Jazz Institute, the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts Summer Jazz Intensive, Jazz & Creative Institute, Central Texas College, and the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor.
Sencalar resides in New York City with his wife Marina and their dogs Navy and JJ, continuing to tour, record, and inspire audiences worldwide.
Trombonist and composer Altin Sencalar has emerged as one of the most dynamic voices of his generation, blending virtuosity, versatility, and deep musical roots into a compelling artistic presence. A Yamaha Performing Artist and Posi-Tone Recording Artist, Sencalar’s music reflects his Mexican, Turkish, and Texan heritage with a fresh, forward-looking perspective.
Sencalar began his studies at Texas State University with Freddie Mendoza before moving to the University of Texas at Austin’s Butler School of Music, where he studied under Andre Hayward. While in Austin, he became an integral part of the local scene, earning a “2017 Top 10 Austin Music Awards Horn Player” nod and recording his debut album Introducing Altin Sencalar.
After completing his bachelor’s degree, Sencalar toured internationally as a soloist with the UT Jazz Orchestra, performing at the Montreux Jazz Festival, North Sea Jazz Festival, and Luxembourg Gardens in Paris. He later earned his Master of Music degree in Jazz Studies at Michigan State University, serving as Graduate Assistant to Michael Dease and Rodney Whitaker. While at MSU, he co-founded the Sencalar/Glassman Quintet, releasing two collaborative albums.
His subsequent leader projects on Posi-Tone — In Good Standing (2023), Discover The Present (2024), and Unleashed (2025) — highlight his growth as a composer, musician, and bandleader.
Sencalar has performed and/or recorded with Dee Dee Bridgewater, Christian McBride, Michael Bublé, Dafnis Prieto, Ulysses Owens Jr., Rodney Whitaker, The Temptations, The Four Tops, and many more. His versatility has also led to studio work for major motion pictures, including Puss in Boots: The Last Wish and My Little Pony: The Movie.
As an educator, Sencalar has held faculty positions at Michigan State University, Brevard Jazz Institute, the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts Summer Jazz Intensive, Jazz & Creative Institute, Central Texas College, and the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor.
Sencalar resides in New York City with his wife Marina and their dogs Navy and JJ, continuing to tour, record, and inspire audiences worldwide.