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Aaron Moynihan
Founder/President/Instructor
Aaron is a dedicated and passionate advocate for empowering Hartford youth through music and mentorship. Having faced numerous challenges during his own youth, he understands firsthand the struggles and adversities young individuals encounter in their lives today.
With an impressive 18-year career in the music industry, Aaron has worked with a diverse array of clients spanning various genres up and down the east coast. His experience working with both the Connecticut scene and notable nation-wide artists, has honed his expertise and enriched his musical repertoire.
Aaron has been working with Hartford youth in studio settings for over 15 years, offering his expertise and mentorship directly to young artists directly as well as through partnerships with city schools and organizations. His dedication to empowering young individuals through music has been evident throughout his career.
To further equip himself for this mission, Aaron pursued higher education at the prestigious Berklee College of Music. He successfully completed his undergraduate degree in Music Business in '17 and later obtained a Master's degree in Music Production in '19. These academic accomplishments have not only enriched his skills but have also enabled him to create innovative and impactful programs for aspiring young artists.
Today, Aaron owns his own recording studio and teaches a range of audio production and live recording courses, sharing his invaluable insights and nurturing the talents of students at the University of New Haven and Middlesex Community College.
Drawing on his personal journey and professional experience, Aaron took the initiative to create and launch Make Waves. Bringing Hartford a safe haven for our youth to explore their musical talents and discover their unique voices.
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Allah Sturges
Co-Founder/Vice President/ Instructor
Growing up, Allah experienced conditions and environments during his upbringing that closely mirror those faced by the youth our program seeks to protect—living in poverty and battling a misleading mindset.
Throughout his life, music served as a vital escape during trying times, offering solace and inspiration. This connection with music naturally led Allah to pursue a career in artist management, where he has had the privilege of collaborating with talented individuals in the industry. Over the years, Allah has spent countless hours in-studio with the artists he works with and brings a unique perspective with his input and guidance.
Moreover, Allah is a passionate advocate for entrepreneurship. Recognizing the power of innovation and self-driven success, Allah firmly believes that fostering an entrepreneurial spirit among our youth can be a transformative avenue towards a brighter future. Through the sharing of his experiences, Allah aspires to ignite a spark of entrepreneurial curiosity among the mentees, equipping them with valuable skills to overcome challenges and seize opportunities.
Our program's vision resonates deeply with Allah, recognizing the significance of creating a safe haven where young individuals can freely express themselves and create without the burden of daily challenges. By combining the power of music with genuine mentorship, Allah and the team aspire to positively influence the youth's mindset, guiding them through life's obstacles and empowering them to become resilient individuals.