AJ Neubert is currently the Principal Bassoonist of the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra. He received his bachelor's degree from the Oberlin Conservatory, studying with Drew Pattison, as well as a Performance Studies Certificate at The Colburn School, studying with Richard Beene. AJ has performed as guest principal bassoonist of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and Charleston Symphony Orchestra. He has also performed with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Artosphere Festival Orchestra, and was featured as a soloist with the Buffalo Philharmonic. AJ has spent multiple summers as a bassoon fellow with the Tanglewood Music Center in Lenox, Massachusetts, and as a fellow with the Music Academy of the West.

In addition to orchestral performance, AJ is a very passionate chamber musician. He is a founding member of the chamber music ensemble ZaRiah, which performs and tours all over the United States and the world. Most recently, ZaRiah was the Grand Prize-winning ensemble in the 2026 Fischoff Chamber Music Competition. ZaRiah was the winning ensemble in the 2025 Frances Walton Competition, which brought them on a tour across the West Coast. ZaRiah has been featured on NPR’s Live Sessions numerous times and has an extensive online presence through social media. Apart from ZaRiah, AJ has performed with the Colburn Chamber Music Series, Norfolk Chamber Music Festival, and in chamber music concerts throughout the Charlotte area. AJ is also one of the founders of Queen City Chamber Music, a chamber music society based in Charlotte, NC, that brings guest artists from around the country to perform for audiences across the Charlotte area.

While at Oberlin, AJ had placed in a number of national and international competitions, such as the National Bassoon Excerpt Competition and the International Double Reed Society's Norma Hooks Young Artist Competition. As an educator, AJ enjoys teaching a studio of private bassoon students from all over the country. He is an active coach for the local youth ensembles in the Charlotte area, leading sectionals and classes for young musicians. Aside from music, AJ enjoys playing video games with friends, watching sports, and going on adventures with his dog Gizmo.