Richard Aaron

Richard Aaron is a professor of cello at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music (SFCM), joining full-time in Fall 2024. Previously, he held professorships at The Juilliard School, University of Michigan, Cleveland Institute of Music, and New England Conservatory. A globally recognized educator, his teaching methods have produced students in major orchestras and award-winning ensembles. He has led masterclasses across four continents and served as a judge at prestigious competitions like the Tchaikovsky Competition and ISANG YUN Competition.

Since 2003, he has been on the faculty of the Aspen Music Festival and taught at summer institutes including the Indiana University String Academy and Chautauqua Institution. His students occupy positions in orchestras such as Chicago Symphony, San Francisco Opera, and groups like the Biava and Fry Street quartets.

Aaron’s professional interests extend to historical instruments, including the viola da gamba and baroque cello. His career highlights include shaping the next generation of cellists and contributing to pedagogical innovation in classical music education.