Creating and understanding music is a journey of exploration, experimentation, and expression.
As a teacher, I am passionate about helping learners discover their unique voice, and empowering them with the skills and knowledge they need to bring their ideas to life.
I teach...
DAW proficiency (via Logic Pro X)
Using a DAW as a compositional tool
DAW Organizational Structures
Music Production
Audio Engineering & Mixing
Music Composition
Orchestration
Sound Design
Synthesis
Music Theory
Song & Lyric Writing
Improvisation
Live Performance Practices
Live & Studio Audio Gear Concepts
Music Concepts for Dancers
Teaching Philosophy
Learning is not just a means to an end; it is a way of life. From the moment we are born, we begin to learn and therefore grow, gaining the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the world around us. Whether it's learning to walk and talk, caring for ourselves and others, making effective and efficient decisions, or simply basking the joy of new things, the process of learning is at the core of the human experience. Personally, I find joy in discovering new things about cooking, exploring the intricacies of art, diving into unfamiliar territory, pursuing a career in performance and creation, and navigating complex interpersonal relationships. In all aspects of my own life, I always attempt to embrace both the roles of student and teacher, respecting their unique and interconnected nature.
As a dedicated educator, my passion lies in creating a supportive and challenging environment that meets the individual needs and learning styles of each of my students. I believe that learning is a multi-faceted process that requires mastering technical skills, applying knowledge and concepts, and decoding the intellectual and metaphysical aspects of the learning experience. To achieve this, I am flexible and adaptable in my approach, making myself available for extra help and encouraging questions and engagement. By getting to know my students' interests and learning styles, I can tailor my curriculum to meet their unique needs while keeping in mind the mission and vision of the educational organization or the students own goals. Through providing comprehensive and personalized education, I help my students reach their full potential as music creators.
“I've taken improvisation lessons with Aaron and worked with him on my band's debut album. As a mentor, he broadened my horizons and increased my self-confidence when it came to what I was capable of on the piano.”
- Ian Doherty
In my private studio, I offer one-on-one instruction to help students develop proficiency in digital audio workstations (DAWs) and music composition. One of the main challenges I've observed is a lack of fluency in using DAWs to their fullest potential. To address this, I prioritize helping my students achieve a comprehensive understanding of the intersection between music and technology, as well as encouraging them to experiment with new techniques to realize their creative vision. I work closely with each student to identify their strengths and weaknesses with the DAW, providing them with the tools and guidance they need to produce unique music that reflects their artistic voice.
Along with technical proficiency, I believe that a well-rounded education for music creators should include a thorough understanding of music composition. To achieve this, I provide a comprehensive approach that covers music theory, songwriting, lyric writing, arranging, orchestration, sound design, and more. I recognize that each student is unique and comes from a different musical background. Therefore, my approach to teaching theoretical concepts is practical and individualized, with a focus on using theory pragmatically and situationally. Also, my lessons are not strictly curriculum-based, but rather, they are built with the student giving us the freedom to develop their musical voice as they see fit.
Encouraging creativity and individuality is a foundation of my teaching philosophy. I hope create an emotional space where students can express themselves freely and develop nuance to their musical voice and how they express it. My critiques are more general, allowing their unique perspective to shine through. I balance lecture-based lessons with lab-style conversational lessons to cater to the variety of skill levels I teach, and the fact that different concepts are best navigated in different ways. By creating an ever-changing learning environment, I help my students stay inspired and engaged in their creative process.
“I carry the lessons I’ve learned from Aaron with me every day and they have truly enhanced and transformed me as a musician and the trajectory of my music career.”
- Cassidy Gephart
In regard to my own learning, I view education as a lifelong pursuit. Teaching provides me with constant opportunities to learn from my own students and peers. I am always eager to receive feedback and ideas from those around me, and I am committed to pursuing professional development that keeps me up-to-date with research-based best practices in teaching. Also, I believe it’s imperative to be a part of a community-wide effort to return the favor. I hope to always be able to share my findings and knowledge with peers to contribute to their learning as well.
As a passionate and dedicated educator, my goal is to inspire and empower my students to confidently express themselves, step into their roles as artists, and gain a deep and nuanced understanding of the subjects we explore. Whether in a classroom or in one-on-one private lessons, I try to create a personalized, open, and reciprocal learning environment that caters to the unique needs and interests of each individual student while also fostering a sense of creative safety and inspiration. My aspiration is to be an exceptionally caring instructor, empowering my students to achieve even greater success in their academic pursuits and thrive in the professional world beyond.