Aaron Garner

Aaron kept somewhat involved in music after his Junior High School years, but music stayed in the background as he pursued a career in tennis as a player and teacher. In his early 20's, Aaron was heard practicing in a practice room by a music Professor at CSUS and later met him in the hallway. The Professor heard potential and encouraged him to consider becoming a classical piano major. Having only a few years of formal training Aaron applied for the Bachelor of Music program at CSUS in the early 1980's and was accepted as a performance major in classical piano. Aaron studied with Frank Wasko for three and a half years before deciding to pursue a career as a jazz pianist.

Aaron began playing around Sacramento in night clubs, hotels, private events etc. and quickly became one of the top call jazz pianists around the area. Along the way, Aaron took a few lessons from Joe Gilman, Mark Levine, and Rick Helzer. All three had a tremendous impact on his playing and musical development.

Throughout Aaron's career he has performed with jazz notables such as James Moody, Eddie Harris, John Handy, Oscar Brown Jr., Woody Herman Orchestra, Mike Clark, John Tchicai, Colin Bailey, Bill Watrous, Don Shelton and many others. Aaron has given several clinics at Jazz Festivals and taught at varios music camps. Aaron also maintains an active private teaching studio in Sacramento.

Aaron decided to finish his education and enrolled in the Music Program at Sonoma State University where he recieved a Jazz Studies degree in 1996 under the direction of Mel Graves. He then enrolled in the Masters Program at San Diego State under the direction of Bill Yeager and Rick Helzer. In 1997, he graduated Summa Cum Laude with an M.M. in Jazz Studies.

After graduate school, Aaron took a part-time teaching position at American River College where he taught jazz piano and jazz theory. He has also taught a variety of classes at Sacramento City College including Intro to MIDI, Class Piano, Jazz History, Music Appreciation, and Music Fundamentals. Aaron continues to teach at both ARC and SCC. Aaron is excited about the new Jazz Degree Program at CSUS under the direction of Steve Roach and will be part of the part-time faculty in Fall 2004 where he will teach a jazz piano class and private lessons.

Aaron continues to teach and perform throughout Northern California as a jazz pianist. He also stays busy with recording projects, writing, arranging, and various notation projects on Finale.