Trombonist/educator Aaron Hartley is Faculty at the New England Conservatory (Boston, MA), Contemporary Improvisation Department.
Born and raised in Tampa, FL, Aaron Hartley was guided by Ellingtonian trombonist Buster Cooper through his youth. Aaron studied with Buster on the bandstand for years, playing with him so often that Buster gave him the nickname, “Youngblood.”
Aaron moved to Boston in 2003 to attend the New England Conservatory (NEC) where he primarily studied with legendary trombonist Bob Brookmeyer and former Lincoln Center trombonist Andre Hayward. In 2007, Aaron continued his studies at NEC for a Master of Music degree in order to narrow his focus and study advanced brass techniques with trumpeter/educator John McNeil. During his time at NEC, Aaron was also guided by Jerry Bergonzi, George Garzone, Joe Maneri, Hankus Netsky, George Russell, Gunther Schuller, and many others.
Aaron also gained a dear friend and mentor while attending NEC, noir pianist and founder of NEC’s Contemporary Improvisation Department, Ran Blake. In 2004, Aaron joined Blake as co-producer/director of his unique Annual Halloween Film Noir Concert in Jordan Hall. On its 8th year now, the concert series has become a staple of NEC’s CI department; bring together students from various departments, backgrounds, talents, and disciples to create a rare and truly unique concert experience.
Aaron regularly performs with Mr. Blake. Most notably is Aaron’s performance on Blake’s Russell Noir: A Tribute to George Russell (HatHut Records, anticipated 2012). Aaron has performed with Ran Blake in various ensembles, which have included vocalist Dominqiue Eade, guitarist David “Knife” Fabris, saxophonist/pianist Eric Lane, multi-instrumentalist/educator Hankus Netsky, vocalist Eleni Odoni, vocalist Sara Serpa, and many others.
Aaron has also freelanced/performed with Ayn Instero’s Big Band, the Beantown Swing Orchestra, Nick Urie’s Large Ensemble, Bob Brookmeyer, Allan Chase, George Garzone, Andre Hayward, Pantelis Karageorgis, Sam Rivers, Geroge Russell’s Living Time Orchestra, Ken Schaphorst, and many others.
Aaron is currently freelancing in the greater Boston area and teaches private lessons through NEC or at his Roslindale studio.
