Meet Aaron Keen: Music Teacher and Co-Founder of Keen School of Music in Gallatin, TN
If you've spent any time at Keen School of Music, there's a good chance you've met Aaron Keen. Whether he's teaching a private lesson, directing one of our Rock-Ready student bands, or working behind the scenes at the school, Aaron is someone who genuinely loves sharing music with others.
A Gallatin native, Aaron is a multi-instrumentalist, music teacher, and co-founder of Keen School of Music. Alongside his wife, Kalyn, and their friend Adam Shea, he helped turn a shared passion for music education into a place where students of all ages and experience levels can learn, create, and perform.
We sat down with Aaron to learn more about the musicians who inspire him, the experiences that shaped his love of music, and why teaching continues to be one of his favorite parts of the job.
How Aaron Keen Fell in Love With Music
For many musicians, there's a particular moment when music goes from being something they enjoy to something they know they want to pursue. For Aaron, that moment involved Jimi Hendrix, a guitar tablature book, and a school talent show.
When asked when he first realized music was going to be an important part of his life, Aaron shared:
"I bought this tab book of Jimi Hendrix's music and started learning the songs in it. I played at my school's talent show and had a really good experience. After that, I was hooked."
What started with learning songs from a book eventually grew into a lifelong passion for playing, performing, and teaching music.
That early experience also speaks to something Aaron values in music education today: giving students opportunities to play music they genuinely enjoy and experience the excitement of sharing it with other people.
Whether a student is picking up a guitar for the first time or preparing to perform with a band, having something to work toward can make learning music that much more rewarding.
Aaron's Favorite Instruments and Musical Influences
Although Aaron plays and teaches multiple instruments, guitar has always been the instrument he feels most comfortable with. Lately, however, he's found himself spending more time behind the drum kit, especially when working with student bands.
"I think I'm most comfortable with a guitar, but I've really been enjoying drums lately, especially when directing student bands."
That interest in multiple instruments is especially helpful when directing Rock-Ready bands, where Aaron works with students playing guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, and vocals. Understanding how each instrument contributes to a song allows him to help students work together as a group rather than focusing only on their individual parts.
Aaron's musical influences are just as varied as the instruments he enjoys playing.
When asked to name his top three favorite musicians or composers, he chose:
Donald Fagen / Steely Dan
Stephen Sondheim
Chick Corea
It's a list that brings together jazz, rock, musical theater, and composition, reflecting Aaron's appreciation for music that explores different styles and approaches.
That variety is also part of what makes learning music interesting. Students don't have to limit themselves to one genre or style, and exploring different types of music can introduce them to techniques and ideas they might not encounter otherwise.
You can learn more about Aaron's musical background and the instruments he teaches on his Keen School of Music instructor profile.
Why Aaron Loves Teaching Music and being a Music Teacher
For Aaron, one of the most rewarding parts of teaching happens when a student finally understands something they've been working toward.
When asked why he enjoys teaching music, he kept his answer pretty simple:
"Lightbulb moments are fun, even when they're not my own."
Anyone who has spent time learning an instrument knows how satisfying those moments can be.
Maybe a student finally figures out a tricky rhythm, learns to coordinate both hands on the piano, or realizes they can play a song they once thought was too difficult.
Sometimes those breakthroughs happen during a lesson, and sometimes they happen when a student is practicing on their own. Either way, watching someone make that connection is a big part of what Aaron enjoys about teaching.
For students taking private music lessons in Gallatin, TN, those small breakthroughs are an important part of the learning process.
Progress isn't always about mastering an entire song or moving on to something harder. Sometimes it's simply understanding a concept that didn't make sense the week before.
A Teaching Philosophy Inspired by His Mother
When asked about his biggest inspiration, Aaron didn't hesitate.
"My Mom. Easily. An inquisitive mind that cares about sharing that with others. She was a teacher at one point in her career and I think I must have inherited some of that. She referenced this Leonard Cohen quote that always got me through the roughest parts "There's a crack in everything that's how the light gets in"
His mother's curiosity and willingness to share what she learned left a lasting impression on him, particularly when it came to teaching.
One of the phrases she often used has become an important part of how Aaron approaches students with different experience levels and learning styles.
"To each his own? To each his reach. Something my Mom said frequently that I realize that came from a p funk tune, but the way she said it had more to do with meeting people where they are. "
Aaron later realized the phrase came from a P-Funk song, but the meaning his mother gave it was about meeting people where they are.
That idea has stayed with him throughout his teaching career.
Not every student walks into a lesson with the same experience, confidence, or musical goals. Some students are learning their first notes, while others have been playing for years and want help developing more advanced skills.
Aaron understands that a teaching approach that works well for one student may not be the right fit for another.
Rather than expecting every student to follow the exact same path, he looks for ways to make music accessible at their current skill level while helping them continue to grow.
It's a philosophy that reflects the way we approach music education at Keen School of Music, where lessons are tailored to individual students rather than treating every musician as though they learn the same way.
Making Music Accessible for Beginner Musicians
One of Aaron's strengths as a teacher is his ability to take a familiar song and adapt it to a student's current abilities.
When asked about his favorite songs to teach, Aaron explained that the answer often depends on what a student already knows.
"Some songs can be simplified for a beginner and still feel enough like the part to be satisfying to play."
For students who are just starting out, this approach can make a big difference.
Instead of spending months learning exercises before they can play something recognizable, beginners may be able to work on simplified versions of songs they already enjoy while developing the skills they'll need for more challenging music.
One of Aaron's favorite examples is "Seven Nation Army" by The White Stripes.
"Most kids know Seven Nation Army by the White Stripes. They play it at football games, and that one is great for beginner drummers, provided you simplify the third bar of the chorus."
He also points out that the song can work well for beginner guitarists and bassists when the parts are simplified to individual notes rather than introducing all the chords immediately.
For students learning keyboard, Aaron likes using "Can't Stop the Feeling!" as an
introductory song, with a few adjustments to make it approachable for a first lesson.
Other songs he enjoys teaching include:
"Brain Stew" by Green Day
"Eye of the Tiger" by Survivor
"Wagon Wheel"
"Seven Nation Army" by The White Stripes
"Can't Stop the Feeling!" by Justin Timberlake
The important thing isn't necessarily which song a student learns first. It's finding music that helps them build their skills while giving them something they're excited to play.
For younger students especially, being able to recognize the music they're learning can help make those early lessons feel more rewarding.
If you're interested in learning guitar, piano, drums, or another instrument, you can book a private lesson with Aaron Keen to get started.
Aaron's Advice for Students Learning an Instrument
Learning an instrument can be frustrating, especially when you know how you want something to sound but haven't developed the skills to play it yet.
Aaron's advice for students who are struggling with practicing or preparing for a performance is something he tries to keep in perspective himself.
"Be patient with who you are today. Don't wish you were someone else, something else."
It's easy for musicians to compare themselves to others, particularly when watching someone who has been playing for years make a difficult piece look effortless.
What students don't always see are the countless hours that musician has spent practicing, making mistakes, and working through the same challenges they're experiencing now.
Aaron's advice is a reminder that learning music takes time, and there's no reason to expect yourself to play like an experienced musician when you're still developing your skills.
For students preparing for a recital, learning a challenging song, or playing with a band for the first time, patience can be just as important as practice.
Even experienced musicians have to warm up and get comfortable before performing.
When asked about his own warm-up routine, Aaron shared:
"If it's solo guitar or piano, I'd run part of a song or two to make sure everything feels good. Otherwise, I'll just improvise a little to warm up."
It's a simple approach, but one that reflects his experience as a working musician. Sometimes a warm-up doesn't need to be complicated. It just needs to help you feel comfortable and ready to play.
Why Aaron, Kalyn, and Adam Started Keen School of Music
Opening a music school wasn't simply about creating a place to teach lessons. For Aaron, Kalyn, and Adam it came from a shared belief that music education can make a meaningful difference in people's lives and in their community.
All three founders had similar ideas about the importance of music and how they wanted to make music education available to families in Gallatin.
Aaron explains:
"Kalyn and I have a similar view on music education, its importance in enriching others' lives, and how to provide it as a service in our local community."
He continued:
"Shortly after we got married, we decided to not only be life-partners, but business partners, too. Starting a small business, even when it's about something you're passionate about and have decades of experience in, can be overwhelming, but we have each other, and that gave us the courage to open Keen School of Music."
Together with their friend Adam, Aaron and Kalyn opened Keen School of Music in their hometown of Gallatin, Tennessee.
Starting a business comes with plenty of challenges, even when you're building something around a subject you love. But having a shared vision and the support of one another helped give them the confidence to move forward.
Today, Keen School of Music in Gallatin, TN is a place where students can take private lessons, explore new instruments, meet other musicians, and experience the excitement of performing.
From first-time beginners to students participating in Rock-Ready bands, the school continues to reflect the values that inspired Aaron and Kalyn to open its doors.
Getting to Know Aaron Outside the Music School
Of course, there's more to Aaron than music lessons, rehearsals, and student performances.
When he's off the clock, he enjoys spending time on a few hobbies that don't involve instruments.
"Besides music-related things, I like to cook, code, and play video games to chill out."
Considering how much of Aaron's day revolves around music, it's probably nice to have a few creative outlets that don't require rehearsing or teaching a song.
And when asked if he has any hidden talents, Aaron shared something a little unexpected:
"I have a pretty creepy Pennywise face."
We'll leave that one to your imagination.
Between his love of cooking, coding, video games, and apparently very convincing horror movie impressions, there's plenty more to Aaron than what students see during their weekly lessons.
Meet Aaron Keen at Keen School of Music
For Aaron, music has been an important part of his life since those early days of learning Jimi Hendrix songs and performing at his school's talent show.
Now, he gets to share that same excitement with students who are discovering what music can mean to them.
Whether he's helping a beginner learn their first recognizable riff, guiding a student through a challenging new concept, or directing a band as they prepare for a live performance, Aaron enjoys being part of the process.
His approach to teaching is rooted in patience, curiosity, and understanding that every student brings something different to their lessons.
At Keen School of Music, we're grateful that Aaron and Kalyn Keen, along with Adam Shea took the leap to turn their shared passion into a music school that serves the Gallatin community.
If you or your child are interested in learning an instrument, we encourage you to get to know Aaron Keen and see whether his teaching approach might be the right fit.
Book a Music Lesson With Aaron Keen
Whether you're picking up an instrument for the first time, returning to music after a few years away, or looking for an instructor who can help you work toward your next goal, Aaron would love to help you get started.
You can also explore Keen School of Music to learn more about our school, instructors, and music programs in Gallatin, Tennessee.
Frequently Asked Questions About Aaron Keen and Keen School of Music
Who is Aaron Keen?
Aaron Keen is a musician, music instructor, and co-founder of Keen School of Music in Gallatin, Tennessee. He opened the school with his wife, Kalyn, and their friend Adam Shea to provide music education and performance opportunities for the local community. You can learn more about his background on Aaron Keen's instructor page.
What instruments does Aaron Keen play?
Aaron is a multi-instrumentalist who is most comfortable playing guitar. He also plays piano and drums and particularly enjoys working with drums while directing student bands.
Does Aaron Keen teach beginner musicians?
Yes! Aaron works with students at different skill levels and enjoys adapting familiar songs to make them accessible for beginners. His teaching philosophy focuses on meeting students where they are and helping them build their skills over time.
What is Aaron Keen's approach to teaching music?
Aaron believes students learn best when instruction is adapted to their individual abilities and goals. He emphasizes patience, curiosity, and helping students experience those moments when a challenging musical concept finally makes sense.
Where is Keen School of Music located?
Keen School of Music is located at 424 E Main Street in Gallatin, Tennessee. The school offers private music lessons and opportunities for students to learn, collaborate, and perform with other musicians.
How can I book a music lesson with Aaron Keen?
You can schedule a music lesson through Keen School of Music's online booking system. You can also call Keen School of Music at 615-682-4939 for more information about lessons and availability.
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