Aaron Zev Katz Bio
Aaron Zev Katz became the Cantorial Soloist for Temple Emanu-El in 2024. As the Cantorial Soloist and music leader Aaron plans to draw from his past thirty years living as a professional musician, producer, teacher and prayer leader to elevate, inspire, energize and connect the community. "Music explores and expresses the entire range of our shared human experience. Through music we are able to transcend the troubles and routines of daily life while merging with the infinite source we all come from."- Aaron Zev Katz
Aaron's introduction to the beauty and healing powers of music began early in life. Starting at age three, he would accompany his mother, who was the cantor at Temple Sinai in Worcester, MA on the bimah. Also as a young boy, Aaron began creating his own music on the piano and drums.
His passion and musicality led him to the University of New Hampshire on a music scholarship. While at UNH, Aaron majored in music with minor concentrations in psychology and philosophy. As a student, Aaron also focused on spirituality, meditation and understanding himself and the world around him through composition and songwriting.
Following graduation, the nationally touring band, Percy Hill recruited Aaron to be their drummer, producer, singer and songwriter. In 2001, the band's album, Color In Bloom received ‘Album of the Year’ at the Jammy Awards held at New York City’s Irving Plaza.
In 2009, Aaron moved to Salem, MA where he created and ran the music program at Plummer Youth Promise. The program provided opportunities for at-risk youth to express and develop themselves through songwriting, lessons, performances, event production and studio/ live audio engineering. Aaron also brought this program to the JCCNS, Boys & Girls Club, YMCA, and Campfire Inc.
In the Summer of 2021, Aaron was asked to perform at his childhood camp, Camp Avoda. During this event, Aaron felt an overwhelming pull back to Judaism. Aaron reached out to Temple B'nai Abraham in Beverly, MA offering his skills to the congregation
Newly inspired, he was brought on as songleader and music director at Temple B'nai Abraham for three years leading up to moving to Temple Emanu-El. In addition to working at Temple Emanu-El, he continues to be the songleader, group leader and after school specialist at Epstein Hillel School in Marblehead since he started in 2021.
Aaron is overjoyed to be at Temple Emanu-El as Cantorial soloist /music leader. His goal is to invite the congregation to join him in the place of emotional depth, immense joy and presence he experiences through music and Judaism.
When not engaged in musical activities, you will find Aaron walking around Salem with his wife, Sarah who is also a musician and therapist, and their chocolate lab, Bruce.