Aaron Lakota, a Western Massachusetts native, works to promote music and the arts through performance, education, and community involvement. He believes that all people deserve access to high-level arts participation and performance and that exposure to the subtle beauty of music will help our society to thrive. Aaron encourages artists to build a local economy in their areas of passion and encourages the community to show appreciation for the arts by supporting artists, both individually and through arts organizations.
Aaron performs throughout New England as a soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral player. He performs with Pioneer Valley Symphony, Valley Winds, Pan Opera, Tundi, Juno Chamber Orchestra, and subs with Springfield Symphony. He has appeared in local concerts presented by the Brick Church series, Mohawk Trail concerts, Tuesdays in Bezanson, Tuesday Morning Music Club, Orchestra In The Orchard as well as many other chamber and solo recitals throughout New England.
Aaron received a bachelor's and master's in oboe performance from the University of Massachusetts. His primary mentors are Fredric T. Cohen and Tamara Field. He also studied with Kirsten Lipkens, Basil Reeve, and Michael Daves. He currently teaches oboe at Dartmouth College and from his home studio in Northampton MA. Aaron acts as a professional reed maker when he is not performing or teaching. A.Lakota Reeds supplies reeds to hundreds of oboists throughout North America.