Whether it be through composition, performance, conducting or audio/video engineering, Aaron Zimmer is a musician dedicated to exploring meaningful and meditative musical experiences. 

Aaron believes passionately in a comprehensive approach to making music; by participating in the production of music at every level – from the first note on the page to the last studio render – Aaron creates a more compelling experience for his listeners.

Finalist of Impulse New Music Festival’s 2022 call for scores, Aaron is a composer who has collaborated with top rate contemporary performers.  Most recently, his piece Burnt Shadows on Broken Mirrors for string quartet was premiered by JACK . Prior collaborations include such talent as Vicky Ray, Alyssa Park, Timothy Loo, and the Eclipse Quartet. In addition to working with excellent performers, Aaron has attended both the Impulse New Music Festival (2020) and the Mostly Modern Festival (2022) in which he collaborated with composers such as Robert Patterson, Vivian Fung, David Ludwig, Brandon Rolle and Andrew Tholl.

As a performer and conductor Aaron has participated in the premieres of his own music and the music of his peers. As a trumpet player and conductor Aaron has premiered 6 new works since 2018. Two highlights of which include performing trumpet on a piece by composer Madeline Barrett in 2018 entitled …Though the Stars Walk Backward and conducting the 2020 premier of composer Emma Tucker’s 7 member large ensemble piece entitled Three Pieces After Abstract Expressionists.

Aaron is an active audio engineer having done recordings for Brightwork New Music Ensemble, University of Southern California, California State University San Bernardino, and contemporary vocal soloist Stacey Fraser. These recording projects range from simple single camera shooting to more advanced 9-10 camera setups. Events range from piano recitals to full production operas with live streaming of upwards of 250 viewers. Beyond freelance work, Aaron has been employed as an audio engineer for Chapman University and as a multimedia engineer for the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University.

Aaron earned his Master’s of Music in Composition from the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University, where he studied with Oscar Bettison and Eric Wubbels. He received a Bachelors of Music in composition studying with Sean Heim, Jeffrey Holmes, and Vera Ivanova. During his studies he was awarded the Conservatory of Music Award, Chapman’s highest award given to a graduating senior, in addition to awards in Composition, history, and for his work in performance, and conducting Chapman’s New Music ensemble.

When not composing, performing, conducting or recording, Aaron enjoys reading science fiction/fantasy, playing tabletop games, and enjoying fine cuisine.