Home » Jazz Musicians » Aaron Bahr

Aaron Bahr

Aaron Bahr is a trumpeter, composer, and teacher living and working in New York City, where he performs both as a bandleader and sideman. His latest album release is titled Places, Real and Imagined..

Since moving to New York in 2015 Bahr has performed as both a sideman and bandleader at some of the best Jazz clubs in the city, including Smalls, Fat Cat, and Zinc Bar. He was a member of the Jazz Quintet Groove Merchant, recording on their self-titled 2016 album and touring Japan in March 2017. He also performs regularly with Pianist/Composer Tetsuro Hoshii's group "The Doggy Cats." Bahr’s own current septet project features his original compositions and arrangements, played by an international cast of innovative, imaginative, and virtuosic musicians.

Aaron has also earned accolades for his big band writing, winning both the 2015 SF Jazz HUT Foundation Alumni Commission award and the 2015 Jazz in the Neighborhood Emerging Composer Competition.

Aaron has dedicated his efforts to the next generation of musicians as a music educator. He teaches at the Brooklyn Music School, where he is an instructor of trumpet, piano, and has developed curriculum for their summer Jazz Intensive for young musicians interested in learning about Jazz music.

Aaron earned his Bachelor’s of Jazz Composition from Berklee College of music where Aaron studied under Tiger Okoshi, Greg Hopkins, and Phil Wilson. During this time Aaron also recorded his first album titled Prologue, an adventurous compilation of original compositions and arrangements for a ten-piece ensemble. After his studies at Berklee, Aaron was admitted to the New England Conservatory where he earned his Master’s. There he studied with the trumpeter Laurie Frink, who had a profound influence on his trumpet playing and technique. Aaron also continued his Jazz Composition studies under Ken Schaphorst, and studied improvisation with Jerry Bergonzie and Miguel Zenon.

From Boston Aaron moved to New York City, where he now works as a trumpet player, composer, and teacher. He works hard to create music that is stimulating both intellectually and emotionally.

Awards

2015 Jazz in the Neighborhood Emerging Composer Competition 2015 SF Jazz HUT Foundation Alumni. Commission Award


Tags

1

Education

SFJAZZ High School All Stars Alumni Aaron Bahr Wins First Hut Foundation Alumni Commission Award

SFJAZZ High School All Stars Alumni Aaron Bahr Wins First Hut Foundation Alumni Commission Award

Source: Marshall Lamm

SFJAZZ High School All-Stars Alumnus and trumpeter Aaron Bahr received the first HUT Foundation Alumni Commission Award. Bahr’s composition “Kenny’s Song” won the award along with a $1,000 check presented to him by saxophonist Ravi Coltrane at the SFJAZZ Center on Sunday, December 14 during the organization’s weeklong A Love Supreme 50th Anniversary celebration. In Spring 2015, the High School All-Stars Orchestra will perform Aaron's composition. SFJAZZ and the HUT Foundation invited former High School All-Stars to submit original works ...

Praise for "Places, Real and imagined"

"Seven musicians, who have a sound like fourteen, reveal some truly skillful artistry and a unique sound all their own... There is some brilliant polyphonic interplay here along with open-minded outlooks upon the captivating compositions. This is highly stimulating music."- Ken Cheetham, Jazzviews.net

"Featuring expert musicianship all around, Places is solid hard bop instrumental jazz that carries on a fine tradition of classic jazz... Places is an excellent showcase for Aaron Bahr’s trumpet-based jazz sounds. " - Robert Silverstein, roots music report

Read more

Primary Instrument

Trumpet

Location

New York City

Willing to teach

Beginner to advanced

Credentials/Background

Instructor of trumpet, improvisation, and composition. In person (NYC area) or online through zoom. M.A. New England Conservatory 2012-2014 B.A Berklee College of Music 2008-2011 Teacher of trumpet, piano, and jazz ensembles at Brooklyn Music School

Clinic/Workshop Information

Trumpet Master Class topics include range, tone, technique, and the Caruso Method. Jazz Master Class topics include techniques of bebop (including bebop scales, enclosures, and cliches), melodic development, modern improvisational techniques (pentatonics, hexatonics, and triad pairs), and rhythmic improvisational techniques. Compositional master class focuses on creating an original harmonic/ melodic language, melodic development, and orchestration techniques.

Dave Douglas
trumpet
Maria Schneider
composer / conductor
Wayne Shorter
saxophone
Bob Brookmeyer
trombone

Photos

Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

Grass Machine

Grassmannmusic ©
2022

buy

Places, Real and...

AaronBahr Music
2021

buy

A Gathering Storm

From: Places, Real and Imagined
By Aaron Bahr

Videos

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.