About Aaron Lakota

A native of Belchertown, Massachusetts, Aaron Lakota has a vested interest in the local arts culture of New England. He hopes to promote music and the arts through performance, education, and community involvement. Having educated young musicians in his community for over fifteen years and performed professionally for nearly as long, he believes that in order for a society to thrive, it must have access to music, the arts, and the subtle beauty of life.

Because all communities must have access to high-level performance, Aaron encourages artists to build a local economy in their areas of passion so the community can benefit from their individual talents. He also encourages communities to show their appreciation for the arts by helping to support local artists.

Education & Mentorship

Aaron began his collegiate studies at Holyoke Community College and holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in oboe performance from the University of Massachusetts. His main music mentors are Fredric T. Cohen and Tamara Field. He studied oboe performance philosophy and techniques with Basil Reeves and Kirsten Lipkens, and has also studied improvisational techniques with Robert Ferrier and Michael Daves.

He recently performed the Bach Concerto for Violin and Oboe with The Windham orchestra Grandval Oboe Concerto with the Farmington Valley Symphony, and the Vaughan Williams Oboe Concerto with the Holyoke Civic Symphony. In April 2023, he premiered Greg Brown’s concertino Shores Unseen with Valley Winds, and he is currently preparing for a solo recital at Amherst College in September 2026.

Performance Experience

His recital series appearances include the Mohawk Trail Concerts, Tuesdays in Bezanson at the University of Massachusetts, the Tuesday Morning Music Club, and The Orchestra In The Orchard series. Aaron is proud to be the principal oboist, a founding board member, and artistic adviser of the Valley Winds, a professional-level wind ensemble based in western Massachusetts. He is also the principal oboist with the Pioneer Valley Symphony (now in its 81st season, making it one of the nation’s oldest orchestras), TUNDI Opera Productions, and Panopera, and plays second oboe with the Juno Chamber Orchestra.

Aaron is also a member of the Eclectic Arts Trio, which features Jean Jeffries on French horn, Aaron Lakota on oboe, and Clifton J. Noble, Jr. on piano, performing a unique blend of classical works, American Songbook standards, and original arrangements.

Teaching & Reed Making

Aaron takes immense pride in passing his love of music onto the next generation. He currently teaches oboe at Amherst College, Dartmouth College, and from his home studio in Northampton, MA. His students are represented in many top-level programs throughout Massachusetts and nationally, making up a large percentage of the oboists in district and all-state festivals.

His students have been recognized nationally as recipients of the prestigious Jack Kent Cooke scholarship and have appeared on National Public Radio’s From the Top. Some have gone on to continue their musical education at the collegiate level, but regardless of his students’ future paths, Aaron’s focus remains on helping each student find their unique voice and find joy in making music.

Social Profiles

Aaron is currently an oboe teacher at:
Amherst College
Dartmouth College

Social Profiles
Facebook
Facebook musician page
A.Lakota Reeds Facebook page
Mallar Reeds Facebook page
Aaron on Twitter = @AaLakota
Aaron on Quora
Aaron on Pinterest
http://www.oboeprofiles.com/profile-aaron-lakota
http://aaronlakota.com/