Western New York
Conductor · Pianist · Educator
Choral conductor and classical pianist rooted in a lifelong relationship with music — from early study in India to professional work across Western New York. Available for conducting engagements and music direction.
About
Aaron Jacob began studying piano at the age of six under the guidance of his father, Dr. Jacob Joseph — a foundation rooted in private instruction and performance-focused study, developed largely outside traditional school music classrooms. He later completed Grade 8 Piano Performance through the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, establishing a strong classical foundation.
His pianistic development continued under Dr. Alina Polyakov, whose teaching emphasized analytical thinking, efficient movement, and relaxed expressive playing rooted in Russian piano traditions. He further refined his musicianship under Dr. Bill John Newbrough, a Steinway Artist, deepening his approach to performance, accompaniment, and teaching. Aaron holds a degree from Houghton University.
Aaron believes that music education should be both rigorous and accessible — that every student deserves the opportunity to develop genuine musical understanding, and that music is best taught as a form of literacy: through singing, movement, listening, reading, and creating. These convictions shape every aspect of his work, from the concert stage to the classroom.
He currently serves as choir director and music teacher at Scio Central School in Western New York, and maintains a private music studio in Wellsville offering instruction in piano, voice, and guitar.
Performances
Video to be added — contact for a private preview of recent rehearsal and performance footage.
Piano
An advanced classical pianist with a foundation in the ABRSM tradition, Aaron's repertoire spans the Baroque through contemporary periods — with particular depth in the Classical and Romantic literature.
Teaching
Aaron's private studio in Wellsville offers instruction in piano, voice, and guitar for students of all ages and experience levels. His teaching is grounded in the belief that meaningful musicianship is developed over time through consistent, thoughtful instruction.
Informed by the Gordon and Feierabend methodologies, his approach treats music as a form of literacy — engaging students through singing, movement, listening, reading, and creating rather than rote mechanics alone.
"Music education should be both rigorous and accessible — offering all students, not just those with prior training, the opportunity to develop genuine musical understanding."
— Aaron Jacob, teaching philosophyReviews
Aaron has a rare ability to make every student feel seen. My daughter went from reluctant to genuinely excited about piano — and it happened within a few months of working with him.
Working alongside Aaron in the pit was a genuine pleasure. He brings both technical precision and a calm, collaborative presence that lifts the whole ensemble.
Writing
Contact
Available for conducting engagements, music direction, collaborative piano, and private instruction. Fill out the form below and I'll be in touch.