Aaron Chavez is a multi-instrumentalist, composer and dance accompanist who enjoys meaningful collaborations with musicians, dancers and choreographers. He also takes pleasure in sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm with others.
As a percussionist, Aaron began playing in countless ensembles on myriad instruments. A number of years ago, his focus shifted to hand drums, which he continually gravitates to because of their versatility, portability, price and weight.
He currently specializes in Chromatic Kalimba and Riq as well as other tambourines with zils. Though these instruments have diverse cultural origins, he incorporates and cross-culturalizes them by using them in musics that they are neither native to nor widely accepted into. For example, his Cooperman Hadjira and Riq can easily double as a drumset in Jazz, Rock, and Folk; while his Cooperman Kanjira doubles as a cajon and bass player in many genres.
As a composer, Aaron has written compositions and arrangements for university dance depart-ments, faculty, and graduate and undergraduate students, as well as for private dance studios.
Aaron holds an MFA in World Percussion from CalArts and a Bachelor of Music Performance from Weber State University. He has studied with various masters of percussion at accredited institutions, experts who teach privately, and with mentors/friends.