Aaron Crouch
About
In a fun and engaging atmosphere we will develop the tools of musicality. I'm as comfortable with an absolute beginner as an advanced student. I've been a professional drummer and keyboardist for 17 years. Thirteen of these were touring with Ringling Brothers & Barnum and Bailey Circus. I've performed on cruise ships, in clubs and bars, and in concert halls. As a drummer I'm well versed in Jazz, Rock, Latin, Funk, and Orchestral/Band Percussion. Since leaving the circus I've been teaching full time for the past nine years, with the last 4 years primarily online. We will focus on solid time, technique, and musicality. On the piano we develop solid fundamentals through reading and technical exercises, a grounding in theory, and an understanding of musical structure. You will learn to play from a fake book, play with a band, and improvise. I will also equip you with the tools to write your own music. Happy to teach students both drums and piano. We can do this as a split one hour lesson, or alternate weeks. We will also work on ensemble playing by playing together.
Reviews from Another Lesson Platform
Aaron is amazing! Our children really enjoy learning and engaging with him. He's very personable and patient.
Teen son relates well, great communication, excellent music teacher.
He's an incredible teacher, I'm super anxious about playing in front of anyone but he's always really kind and patient. I'm making way more progress than I thought I could and playing songs I would have never even attempted on my own. Also, his set up for zoom calls is amazing and really easy to learn from.
Aaron is the best. He is so talented and very patient with my grandson.
Aaron is a great teacher. Wise beyond years when it comes to the piano. Takes his time when explaining or demonstrating key concepts.
Aaron’s approach to teaching is both innovative and effective. He tailors each lesson to my son’s individual pace and style, ensuring that my son is always engaged and challenged. His explanations are clear and concise, making even the most complex rhythms accessible. With a profound understanding of drumming techniques, Aaron has helped my son to adapt to everything from basic beats to intricate solos. His attention to detail is impeccable, and he has a knack for breaking down complicated patterns into manageable parts. One of Aaron’s greatest strengths is his infinite patience. No matter how many times my son misses a beat or fumbles a fill, he encourages my son with constructive feedback that motivates him to try again. His positive attitude creates a learning environment where my son is not afraid to make mistakes. Under Aaron’s guidance, my son has seen a tremendous improvement in his piano and drumming skills. He has gone from struggling to keep a simple beat to performing full songs with confidence. His lessons have not only improved my son’s technical abilities but also his creativity and expression on percussion instruments. If you’re looking for a drum teacher who can truly bring out the best in you, Aaron is the one. His passion for music and teaching, combined with his expertise and supportive nature, makes him an outstanding instructor. I cannot recommend him highly enough.
Except for some technical difficulties at the beginning, things got off to a good rhythm and start. Looking forward to learning.
Aaron is thorough and patient. I really enjoyed the lesson and feel that I will learn a lot and accomplish my goals.
I studied classical piano when I was a teenager. Now, 56 years later I decided to learn to play popular music from the Real Book. After following various YouTube videos for a couple of months and struggling to choose the best way to proceed, I think I've found it -- take lessons with Aaron. My first lesson this morning was great and I look forward to studying with him.
A knowledgeable and patient instructor who is a joy to learn from.
🎹 Aaron: The Music Mentor! 🥁🎶 I lucked out finding Aaron as my first music tutor. I'd been self-taught and was ready to bring in a coach. His drumming background brings this incredible perspective to piano learning that I needed. He knows how to teach dynamics rhythm even via Zoom, and it’s been a game-changer for my progress! Aaron’s patient and organized approach makes learning more accessible for me. I am very nervous playing in front of anyone. Yet, 5 minutes into our lesson, I can focus on the piece. He also understands and adjusts to my pace and style of learning. I’m genuinely fortunate to have Aaron guiding my musical journey. Aaron has an excellent Zoom setup, which makes remote learning an easy experience if you’re looking for a great piano teacher who brings a drummer’s much-coveted rhythm to learning! 🥁🎹
A lot for me to take in . I am happy I chose every other week as I would not have the time to accomplish all in one week. Arron was very patient and supportive.
Aaron is an outstanding piano tutor. Teen son is inspired and looks forward to his weekly lessons.
Aaron is a great tutor, very professional, engaging and relates well with our son who had not played in 4 years. Alex is now keen and happy to be back at the piano.
Aaron was a great communicator and musician. Teen son really enjoyed his first lesson and looking forward to the next.
My 10-year-old son had been learning piano for over two years and lost interest a couple of months ago. However, since he started taking lessons with Aaron, I am delight to say that he has become more engaged and active again. As someone based in Sydney, Australia, I was initially hesitant to try a teacher located in the U.S, but I am thrilled with the results. Aaron is truly exceptional as a piano teacher, displaying the utmost professionalism in his teaching style. He has a keen focus on understanding our preferences and needs, tailoring each lesson to our specific requirements. I couldn't be happier with the progress my son had made under Aaron's guidance. His understanding of music theory, technique, and expression has significantly deepened. I am fortunate to have Aaron as my son's teacher and look forward to continuing our musical journey with him.
Great first lesson. I am looking forward to the next.
Fantastic, patient, and effective teacher. He's very positive and encouraging with my active 8-year-old and I am amazed at how far she's come in almost a year. Wow! He also makes lessons fun and challenging, meeting the students at their level. Great instructor, highly recommend!
Aaron is great with my child. He's patient and encouraging.
Aaron was patient and engaging with my 4 y/o son. The class was a blast!
Very patient & flexible
Aaron is an exceptionally talented, outstanding teacher and person! My 16-year-old son has learned so much from Aaron online already and genuinely looks forward to lessons with him every week. We highly recommend Aaron! :)
Highly recommend. I played flute in high school (15 years ago) and am new to keyboard as a hobby. He's attuned to my level of comprehension and has been helping me master skills at a good pace. Highly proficient musician and instructor; answers all my questions and demonstrates songs/skills as we go. Has an excellent Zoom setup using multiple views, which has made remote learning a breeze. Thanks Aaron!
Aaron was great with my son who is just starting out with drums. He slowed down where my son needed more support and sped up when he was gaining skills quickly. The support with recordings of the lessons and practice plan for the week is fantastic and the multiple camera views during the lesson was really helpful when showing techniques.
Fantastic teacher. Really held my daughter's attention and she began reading music on the first day of class. Wow, I'm impressed!
Aaron is phenomenal! My daughters look forward to his lessons, and both gave him 5 stars, which I agree with! His classes are always fun, educative, and age-appropriate. He knows how to break things down simply without overwhelming them. Thank you, Aaron.
I learned so much in my first lesson! Aaron was great!! Thank you!!
Great job Aaron
This is the 3rd class my daughter is doing with Aaron completely online. My daughter is really enjoying the class. Aaron is very professional and utilizes the full 30 minutes we have signed up for. We plan to continue classes with Aaron.
My son always looks forward to his lessons with Aaron. Aaron is good at keeping my 11-year-old engaged in his lesson. He always follows up with feedback and homework.
I have learned more in two lessons than in months of classes.
Intuitive and inspiring. Aaron really connected well with our son. Great Job sir.
Aaron is so nice and very good at how to take the interests of kids. We appreciate to have him as our son's piano teacher.
Aaron has been great for my son (who's 8 and just starting). He's fun, super patient and keeps my son's attention well throughout the lesson. He has paced the lessons well so far. We're very happy and totally recommend Aaron.
Aaron is a great teacher.
Aaron is absolutely fantastic. Very methodical, patient and moves at the pace needed by the individual student. My daughter loves his lessons.
He is a very professional person, very punctual, my son has captured everything as he has taught him and he wants to continue receiving the lessons with him.
My first lesson went in smoothly and comfortably. We discussed my goals and expectations and I feel that Aaron will be a great teacher!
Aaron is great
Aaron is a very talented piano/music teacher. He is patient, accommodating and very flexible with time, pace and teaching style. I had a great experience learning the fundamentals and will definitely continue.
Aaron is a very talented piano/music teacher. He is patient, accommodating and very flexible with time, pace and teaching style. I had a great experience learning the fundamentals and will definitely continue.
Aaron is amazing with our girls, even when they have trouble focusing-;)
Aaron is great and wonderful with my girls.
Aaron is fanatasic! my 7 yr old enjoyed her 1st class with him. looking forward to more classes!
Aaron is passionate about music and it exudes in his teaching style! He is also very good with children! Very pleased!
Aaron is a wonderful instructor! Very patient, energized, focused, structured, punctual, and fun to work with. He offers a variety of talents. We are very happy to have Aaron as an instructor in our home!
Aaron is great with the kids & they've learned so much. He makes the lessons fun & they look forward to their weekly lessons.
Aaron is great with the kids & they've learned so much. He makes the lessons fun & they look forward to their weekly lessons.
My children really enjoy working with Aaron!
I loved how Aaron interacted with my children and that he took a little extra time to talk with me and explain things. Both of my boys really enjoyed their lesson and are excited for next week.
My first lesson with Aaron was fun and very helpful. Aaron is an experienced teacher & musician with a great personallity who obviously loves music. I'm psyched to learn from him and motivated to go forward. I especially liked his approach and his ability to break down complex musical theory into basic concepts for a begginer's level of instruction. Feeling good about my choice of instructor.
Very nice and patient.
My son's first piano lesson with Aaron was fun and exciting, the way music should be! Now he can't wait to practice nor for his next lesson!
First lessons with Aaron was great! He went right into his session with lots of energy focusing on the student needs. Aaron delivered and we are happy to work with him. Look forward to upcoming classes!
Aaron is a wonderful teacher. He is very patient and really makes the lessons fun. Both of my boys (5 and 7) love him and are excited for their lessons very week.
My daughter thinks he's the best teacher ever. Very accommodating and understanding.
Both of my boys like him , he is very professional and has a lot of patience to teach my oldest son who has learning disability.
My son really enjoyed his piano and drum lesson with Aaron. Now my daughter also wants lessons from Aaron too!
Rated this class 5 stars.
Teaching Style
Primarily we will develop fundamental skills of music reading, counting, and technique through the use of standard method books. Students will receive a clearly defined lesson assignment each week and a recording of either the entire lesson or solely of crucial new concepts or sections of pieces. We will focus on learning and reinforcing good practice habits so that a student knows how to really improve in a methodical way. As a student's fundamental skill level increases we can branch out with pieces, songs, compositions or improvisations that fit the interests of each individual. Taking music lessons is very much about developing a rapport between student and teacher and I strive to really see each student to identify and address their individual needs.
Curriculum
Piano - primarily Piano Adventures Method Books by Nancy and Randall Faber, supplemented as needed according to student interest
Drum Set - A Fresh Approach to the Drum Set by Mark Wessels
Snare Drum - Alfred Drum Books 1 and 2, Peters Method for the Snare Drum Intermediate and Advanced, Wilcoxin Snare Solos
Mallet Percussion - A Fresh Approach to Mallets by Mark Wessels
Percussion - very often students will need guidance on their school band and orchestra parts
Credentials & Affiliations
Education
Diploma - Music
Sep, 1991 - May, 1993
Interlochen Arts Academy
Master of Fine Arts - Professional Composition and Orchestration
Sep, 2018 - Jul, 2020
University of Chichester/Thinkspace Education
Bachelor of Jazz Studies
Sep, 1993 - May, 1998
University of North Texas


