"Working with Aaron was the most formative experience of my high school years. He helped me grow so much as a musician and enabled me to access so much more than correct notes and technique. Aaron is compassionate and welcoming and always made me feel comfortable and supported. I was so lucky to have him as a teacher and mentor."
- Adeline Balfour - Cornell University, Class of 2021 (Viola)
"Aaron began teaching my daughter Sarah when she was in 7th grade. He became a force of good in her life. Sarah was an intense child and Aaron taught her to breathe. He inspired her to practice violin but more importantly taught her that grit and hard work mattered more.
As a parent who knew nothing about music and in fact never went to the symphony other than during a school field trip, I needed someone who would guide me as a parent of a young musician. Aaron helped me understand the musical community in the twin cities. He helped us find GTCYS. In high school, he helped Sarah choose competitions to compete in and whether she accomplished her goals or not, Aaron was there to help her with managing her musical successes and disappointments.
During Sarah's senior year, Aaron helped her prepare a violin piece for a music portfolio as she applied to colleges. Once she was accepted to Cornell University, he prepared her for auditioning for their orchestra. She was thrilled to be selected to play in the Symphony Orchestra.
Over this past summer, Aaron made room in his schedule to help Sarah audition again. Sarah was chosen as the Concertmaster of the Cornell Symphony Orchestra as a sophomore. One of the comments she received after her audition was that it was so nice to see a musician who knew how to breath as they played.
Aaron is a gifted teacher. He is kind, thoughtful, inspiring and a genuinely good human being. Your child will be fortunate to study in his studio. We know he changed the trajectory of Sarah's life"
- Laurel Edinburgh, Minneapolis
"My son started taking violin lessons from Aaron at the age of 14. It was obvious to me from the start that despite his own busy music career Aaron was an extremely passionate, dedicated and mindful teacher. With patience and encouragement, he consistently challenged my son to become a better violinist, both technically and artistically. It was under Aaron’s skilled instruction that my son matured into a college level musician who still contacts Aaron when he is home to request another lesson!"
- Angela Parsons, Saint Paul
“Aaron is a fantastic teacher and mentor. Under his instruction, he was able to organize and raise the level of my playing immensely in a short time. With his help, I was able to get a spot in one of the best music schools in the country and begin my pursuit of a career in music with solid footing.”
- Mark Hatlestad, Indiana University: Jacobs School of Music (B.M. 2015, M.M. 2017 - Viola)
"I started taking lessons from Aaron when I was 15. Prior to that, I had been in a Suzuki studio. After learning how accomplished of a player he was, I was a bit intimidated to take lessons with him. However, from my first lesson, Aaron’s friendly and encouraging teaching style put me at ease. It’s very clear that he’s a dedicated teacher. After taking lessons with Aaron, I became more enthusiastic about playing the violin and started wanting to major in music, something I hadn’t been considering before studying with him. It is because of Aaron that I was able to successfully audition at several music schools and even received a scholarship at my top choice, where I am studying now. Lessons with Aaron were always the highlight of my week. I am looking forward to being able to take more lessons with him during college break times, and I’m so thankful to be able to look to him for mentorship on an ongoing basis."
- Anna Luebke - UW Madison, Music Performance Major (Violin), Class of 2021
"Compassionate yet demanding, Aaron was an incredible teacher for my son in middle school through high school. Aaron’s approach was so positive as he encouraged my son to be the best musician he could be. I sat through several lessons and was so buoyed by the experience that I even contemplated taking lessons from Aaron myself!
Aaron is an inspiring mentor and staunch supporter of his students; he is an absolutely fantastic teacher."
S. Lodge - Minneapolis
"Ever since I started taking lessons from Aaron at the beginning of high school, I have always respected and enjoyed Aaron’s enthusiasm for music and teaching. Although I am three years in to college, his advice still resonates with me to this day. His work with me through high school has prepared me for my college studies in music more than I could have expected. I am grateful to him for all the success and fun that I have in my college ensemble and solo work. I still love to catch up with Aaron for a few lessons whenever I am home. They always make the difference when I return to school."
- Nathan Parsons, Luther College undergraduate (Violin)
"Aaron was perfect match for my highly driven daughter. With compassion and exceptional standards he took her from pretty good to All State 1st chair second violin. She is now completing a double major in math and music performance. Aaron rocks classical!!"
- Scott Yarosh, Saint Paul