Aaron McCoullough born in 1986 of Australian & Italian heritage is a drummer/composer based in Melbourne, Australia. Aaron is a sought after drummer who holds a Bachelor Of Music with Honours from The Victorian College Of The Arts, Melbourne, Australia. During his time at University, Aaron received the Dr Phillip Law award for ‘Excellence and Innovation’ and was a finalist for James Morrison’s Generations In Jazz Scholarship. Whilst at VCA his study included time with some of Australia’s finest improvisers and educators namely: Simon Barker, Graham Morgan, Scott Tinkler, Sam Keevers, Ben Robertson and Alex Pertout. Outside of University Aaron has studied with many leading Australian drummers and educators who include: Milan Troha, Danny Fisher, Craig Simon, Jim Piesse and John Morrison.
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In 2008 Aaron was awarded a mentorship grant from the Australian Council for the Arts in which he embarked on a study trip to New York that involved a mentorship with renowned jazz drummers Michael Carvin and John Riley. He has since returned to New York where he has continued further study with heavyweight international musicians: Sean Wayland, Gregory Hutchinson, Kobie Watkins and Dan Weiss. Aaron has been apart of and performed with numerous creative ensembles and projects led by outstanding musicians, including: Daniel Gassin Trio & Sextet, The Michael Story Trio, The Willow Neilson Quartet, Neosenoi, Backbone, Pat Thiele’s Elbowgrease and The Andy Sugg Ensemble. He has also appeared at numerous jazz festivals including The Melbourne International Jazz Festival (Aus), Dubai International Jazz Festival (UAE) and Queenstown International Jazz Festival (NZ). Aaron is an active band leader and has toured his ensemble across Australia playing his original music. Aaron’s recent debut release ‘Portrait of Thoughts’ contains his original compositions. Aaron is joined by New York based pianist Sean Wayland and Melbourne musicians Hugh Stuckey (guitar) and Sam Zerna (bass). See LISTEN page for more info on Aaron’s current projects.