Michael Aarons is an American guitarist, music coordinator, and composer based in New York City. He is the founder of the music-coordination firm Mò Music.
Aarons was born and raised in Washington, D.C.. He attended the Duke Ellington School of the Arts (DESA), graduating in 1994 from the Instrumental Music (Jazz) program. While at Ellington, he studied under saxophonist and educator Davey Yarborough.
In 1994, Aarons moved to New York City to attend the Manhattan School of Music, where he completed a Bachelor of Music degree.
Aarons has performed as a guitarist and multi-instrumentalist in Broadway pit orchestras and recording sessions. His Broadway performer credits include Frozen, Kinky Boots, Evita, Godspell, Baby It's You!, Green DayâÂÂs American Idiot, Memphis, 9 to 5: The Musical, Grease, High Fidelity, and Laugh Whore (with Mario Cantone).
He is also credited with additional guitar arrangements for the Broadway production of Next to Normal.
In addition to his Broadway work, Aarons has performed or recorded with artists including Barry Manilow, Liza Minnelli, Ariana Grande, Lizz Wright, Plácido Domingo, James Ingram, Joshua Bell, Michael McDonald, Elton John, and Patti LaBelle.
Aarons is also a member of the soul-jazz organ trio Aarons, Finland & Rose, alongside organist Eric Finland and drummer Jordan Rose. The group released a self-titled album on February 14, 2023, featuring primarily original compositions by Aarons, along with interpretations of classic soul repertoire. The album was recorded at Grand Street Recording in Brooklyn and reflects a blend of jazz, funk, and traditional organ trio styles.
In addition to live performance, Aarons has contributed to original Broadway cast recordings and studio albums associated with productions including Hamilton, ', Jagged Little Pill, Frozen, and Diana: The Musical.
Aarons' coordination work has spanned Broadway productions, national tours, cast recordings, and filmed stage adaptations. Several productions for which he served in the music department have received Tony Awards and Grammy Awards for Best Musical Theater Album during their respective seasons.
Mò Music provides orchestral contracting, staffing, and payroll administration services for Broadway productions and touring companies. A published case study by the Knack software platform documents the companyâÂÂs use of custom database systems for musician onboarding, scheduling, and payroll processing.
Prior to founding Mò Music, Aarons operated Hybrid Music Productions, producing licensed music and digital adaptations during the early expansion of mobile ringtone distribution.
In addition to his work as a guitarist and music coordinator, Aarons has composed and produced music for television and media projects, including CNBC, Lifetime, Oxygen, ABC, OWN, and MTV. Through his production company Hybrid Music Productions, he has also produced and licensed original music for television and commercial media.
His compositions have appeared on the children's television series Sesame Street, including musical segments such as âÂÂCookiefall,â âÂÂIt Good Enough to Eat,â âÂÂLadyfinger,â âÂÂMountain Climber the Musical,â and âÂÂVan Stop Jingle,â and he is also credited as a composer for the television special Sesame Street: ElmoâÂÂs Alphabet Challenge.
Aarons has also composed for film and television projects, including the AXE television film Generation Astronaut and the ESPN 30 for 30 Shorts documentary The Anti-Mascot (2015), directed by Colin Hanks.
Aarons has worked in film and television in music department roles including music coordinator, contractor, performer, and composer. Credits are listed per IMDb.