J. Aaron Hardwick

J. Aaron Hardwick is an Assistant Teaching Professor and Orchestra Director at Wake Forest University, where he teaches courses like Video Game Music and oversees concert season planning. He is also the founder of Full Lobby, LLC, a business that collaborates with orchestras and video game companies to present live game music performances globally. A Shenandoah University alumnus (’21, ’22), Hardwick combines his passions for classical music and esports, having participated in the European Union International Conducting Competition. His 2023 article on video games and classical music fandom was widely published, including in Newsweek Japan. Hardwick emphasizes interdisciplinary thinking and maintaining artistic purpose in his teaching and professional work.

• Education: Shenandoah University (Conservatory and Esports Management)

Research Interests: Bridging classical music traditions with modern gaming culture through live performance and education. His work explores how video games act as gateways to classical music, leveraging digital platforms to expand musical audiences. He advocates for innovative, cross-disciplinary approaches in music education and performance.

Professional Activities: Freelance conductor for global orchestras, curriculum developer for video game music studies, and founder of Full Lobby, LLC—a venture merging orchestral performance with esports communities. His teaching philosophy integrates hands-on experience with theoretical knowledge, inspired by his Shenandoah-era course development.

Awards/Competitions: Participant in the European Union International Conducting Competition.

Advising/Grants: No specific grants or advisee names listed in available texts. Focus centers on collaborative projects with industry partners.

Labs/Teams: Leads Full Lobby, LLC, a pioneering firm in live video game music events, and directs Wake Forest’s orchestral programs as part of its music department.