Aaron Jones performing music on stage (Courtesy of Aaron Jones)
For Aaron Jones, aka “Mr. Aaron,” the name he goes by in character, a career in children’s music, entertainment and teaching wasn’t part of the original plan. Nor was making music with plants. It just goes to show the adage rings true—you never know where life is going to take you.
Fresh out of New York University with a graduate degree in musical theater writing, Jones was trying to break into the competitive New York City arts scene when he came across a Craigslist ad for mommy and me music classes. The job offered steady pay performing songs for young children and families. More importantly, it revealed a niche he hadn’t considered. “It clicked,” he recalls. He could merge his songwriting skills with a reliable audience and build something sustainable.
Now known as Mr. Aaron, Jones is a Concord-based multi-instrumentalist performer and composer who creates interactive concerts for children and their families. His hour-long shows blend live music with participation, encouraging kids to sing, dance, offer lyrical ideas, and even learn basic beatboxing. Using a loop pedal, he builds songs in real time, tailoring performances to the energy and theme of each event.
Jones has been experimenting with music and technology and recently launched an initiative that uses sensors to translate electrical signals from plants into pitch, rhythm, and sound, blending science with music in performances for both children and adults. As a result, every performance is unique. He has brought this “greenwave” plant music to a number of venues, including the UNH green houses.
His work also takes him to libraries, schools, museums, and outdoor stages across New England, including appearances at Prescott Park in Portsmouth and the Cabot Theater in Massachusetts. While he sometimes performs solo, he also fronts the Mr. Aaron Band. Collaboration is a consistent thread.
At its core, Jones’ mission goes beyond entertainment. “The goal is to get kids excited about music, creativity, singing, and dancing,” he says. “But the bigger goal is bringing families and communities together.” In an era when many children experience music through screens, he emphasizes shared, in-person experiences where parents are as engaged as their kids.
Some of his most meaningful moments come from those connections. He describes seeing grandparents dancing with grandchildren, or children forming spontaneous “mosh pits” of joyful movement. During one song, “Let Love Lead,” he invites kids to hold hands, dance, and talk about kindness. Hearing their candid responses—hugging others, helping someone who falls—stands out as especially powerful.
In addition to performances, Jones offers 45-minute music classes that introduce instruments, rhythm, and movement in a hands-on, community-focused setting, with multi-week and multi-child pricing options.
A father of three daughters, Jones often brings his family into the creative process. His most recent album includes songs co-written with his children. “That’s special for me as a father,” he says.
Mr. Aaron will be performing July 30 at the Prescott Park Arts Festival in Portsmouth and Sept. 12 at Mr. Aaron’s Kids Music Fest! in Concord. For more information go to mraaronmusic.com
