Aaron Butler

“I’ve developed and inherited numerous strategies, songs, images, stories and games to accommodate the different learning styles we find throughout early childhood…Everything has to be musical.”

Artist Diploma, Brandeis University
M.M., Longy School of Music
B.A., Amherst College
Dalcroze License & Certificate, Longy School of Music

Born and raised in Massachusetts, and following graduate studies at the Longy School of Music in Boston, Aaron Butler moved to New York City “mostly because of the city itself”, but also because it was a place where he could practice Dalcroze Education, an approach to music education involving an understanding of music – its fundamental concepts, its expressive meanings, and its deep connections to other arts and human activities–incorporating rhythmic movement, aural training, and physical, vocal and instrumental improvisation.

Aaron’s musical life began at age four when he “had gotten so jealous of my brother’s piano lessons…my parents wanted to wait until I was 5, but I won”. A dedicated early childhood teacher, he “teach[es] many Dalcroze classes to young children (even down to 2). I’ve developed and inherited numerous strategies, songs, images, stories and games to accommodate the different learning styles we find throughout early childhood.” Classes are lively and “learner-centered…[stressing] experience before analysis. Everything has to be musical. Improvisation is central to musical fluency.”

As a performer himself, Aaron prefers the collaborative spirit as well. “I always prefer to have other people on stage with me–singers, actors or chamber players. It’s easier, more fun, and often more accessible.” In his free time, Aaron enjoys the Early Modernists, Dutch and Flemish painting, bridges, and billiards.

http://www.aaronplayspiano.com/