Aaron Shorr

Aaron Shorr is a Professor and distinguished pianist at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RCS), serving as Director of Music and Head of Keyboard since 2006. He holds a Professorship awarded by RCS in 2013 and has led as Acting Director of Music (2013–2015). His career spans over four decades with international solo performances, chamber collaborations, and pedagogical contributions.

• Education:
  • Manhattan School of Music, New York
  • Royal Academy of Music, London (premier performance prizes)
• Teaching Roles:
  • Professor at Royal Academy of Music (1992–2006)
  • Keyboard Department Head at RCS (2006–present)

His research focuses on Beethoven’s inner-circle composers (Mayseder, Ries, Archduke Rudolph) and modern premieres of underperformed works. He collaborates extensively with contemporary composers like Hans Werner Henze and George Rochberg, premiering over 100 new works. His acclaimed recordings with violinist Peter Sheppard Skaerved explore Beethoven’s lesser-known chamber adaptations.

As an educator, Shorr’s students have won top prizes in global competitions including Rubinstein, Tchaikovsky, and Schubert Competitions. He chairs major competitions like the Scottish International Piano Competition since 2011. His discography on Naxos and Meridian features landmark recordings of Beethoven sonatas and chamber works.

Performance highlights include BBC Proms, Venice Biennale, and collaborations with orchestras worldwide. He broadcasts regularly on BBC Radio 3, ABC Australia, and WQXR New York.