Aaron Hardie - Saxophone
Aaron Hardie first picked up the saxophone in his grade seven school band, and has been playing ever since.
A strong interest in jazz all throughout high school led to further studies at Selkirk College in Nelson, BC, where he studied privately
with saxophonist Darcy Hepner. Instruction in small ensemble playing, composition, theory, and ear training led to Aaron receiving
his diploma in Jazz Performance.
Obtaining a Bachelor's Degree in Jazz Studies from Capilano College led to further development as
a jazz musician. While at Capilano, Aaron studied privately with saxophonists Mike Allen and Stan Karp. During this time, he also
held the lead alto chair in the Capilano College "A" Band, under the direction of Brad Turner, where he played with such jazz greats
as Kenny Werner, Ian McDougall, and Kurt Elling. Continued experience with improvisation and composition found him focusing more on
his career as a small ensemble player and leader of his own groups. Aaron was the 2001 recipient of the Canadian Academy of Recording
Arts and Sciences Music Education Award for Capilano College.
As a performer, Aaron leads his own jazz quartet, which performs his
original compositions in the modern jazz tradition. As well, he has a trio dedicated to playing various song forms from the standard
jazz repertoire. As a freelance musician, Aaron has experience with various large and small ensembles and styles, including funk,
R&B, salsa, swing, and rock. He continues to develop as a professional saxophonist through numerous playing opportunities.
Aside
from teaching saxophone privately, Aaron holds a Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Music Education from UBC, and works in the public
school district of Burnaby as a Band Instructor at Burnaby South Secondary School. As a schoolteacher, Aaron has experience with musicians
at many levels in concert and jazz bands, focusing on the technical and interpretive aspects of group playing. He has also made himself
available for clinician work and saxophone sectional instruction for both public and private institutions. As a private teacher, emphasis
is placed on the student's individual technical and musical abilities on the saxophone, with a focus on the aspects of jazz saxophone
playing such as articulation, interpretation, and improvisation.
