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 has worked in both the public and private school systems as a Band Instructor. He currently teaches at Pacific Academy in Surrey. 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.