Aaron Nigel Smith is a Grammy® Nominated producer and Billboard #1 recording artist who has performed throughout North & South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. He is also a featured musical guest and composer for the Emmy Award winning PBS Kids show Between the Lions. Aaron has produced 16 albums on his label Aya World Productions garnering multiple NAPPA, Parents’ Choice, American Library Association awards, and recognition by NPR, People Magazine, USA Today, and The New York Times.
Aaron is an educator with 20 years of experience creating music programs, events, and curricula. In 2002, he founded FUNdamentals of Music & Movement, a fun approach to music education for preschool children. Since 2011 he has partnered with Young Audiences, The Right Brain Initiative and Arts for Learning, The Boys Girls Clubs, and Portland Parks & Recreation to provide arts programs,performances, and events to K-8 youth in the Portland Metro Area. In 2013 Aaron was named the Sunburst Teaching Artist of the Year by Young Audiences.
Aaron and his wife Diedre, formed the non-profit 1 World Chorus in 2009 with the mission of promoting peace and empowering youth through the arts. More than 15,000 youth in Portland, Los Angeles, New York, Kenya & Jamaica have participated in 1 World chorus programs. 1 World Chorus partners include The Oregon Community Foundation,The Oregon Arts Commission, The Regional Arts Council, The City of Portland, The Oregon Education Service Districts, and The Bob Marley Foundation. Aaron is the 2022 recipient of the Magic Penny Lifetime Achievement Award from the Children’s Music Network.
