Armand Aromin - Ukulele Press Kit
In chronological order, Armand Aromin is a queer Filipino American musician, percussive dancer, singer, and violin maker now enmortgaged in Riverside, RI with his partner, Benedict Gagliardi. More importantly, if you can say “Arm & Hammer” you’re pronouncing his name correctly!
Like many who came before him, Armand’s ukulele journey, too, began with the Irish fiddle in high school. After a text-message-break-up his senior year (he’s doing fine.) his heart told him, “The only way to heal is to stress-purchase a 5-string banjo.” And so he did. But while contentedly clawhammering his way through college, he beheld his first ukulele, and thus his eyes were truly opened. It was as if a banjo-shaped weight was lifted from his shoulders! Now, lo these many years, the clawhammer’s twang has graced and grazed many an ear with a growing repertoire of tunes and songs that continue to wonderfully confound the writer of this bio.
Armand is one-third of The Vox Hunters, a quarter of Eight Feet Tall, and at least a third of The Ivy Leaf. He proudly owns Aromin Violins, a tiny basement workshop in his first, and only, house.
Armand loves, loves, loves teaching with a focus on musicality and giving students tools with which to find their own voice. He’s taught at the Nutmeg Ukulele Festival in Simsbury, Ct; and he regularly teaches private lessons at home as well as group classes at the Blackstone River Theatre in Cumberland, RI. In November 2023, The Ukulele Site hosted an Instagram contest where his submission, “Hunt the Hare”, made it to the Top 10! Video below.
Instagram: @frailulele
“Armand is fantastic! He is a rare blend of amazing musician and gifted teacher. Many performers can play, but they don’t lead workshops like Armand. He is relaxed, engaging, and fun. Armand always breaks down initially daunting skills into easily mastered steps. Based on students’ playing and/or questions, he quickly assesses the best way to present material. Each session is unique, truly tailored for its participants. I can’t recommend him highly enough!”
- Gail Agronick
“I am a classically trained singer and a very enthusiastic ukulele player, teacher and director. I had the pleasure of attending two classes given by Armand Aromin at the 2024 Nutmeg Ukulele Festival. There were a number of classes to choose from, but I am so glad that I chose Armand's Chord Embellishments and Clawhammer Technique classes. Both classes were highly informative, enjoyable and valuable. The material was presented in a fun but logical and easy to understand format that was appropriate for a variety of different levels and learning styles. Armand is a wonderful musician and teacher!”
- Jean Atwater-Williams, author and teacher of the "Absolute Beginner Ukulele" curriculum
“While learning new skills could be tedious and difficult, Armand makes it seem effortless and fun. Armand has a unique way of breaking down songs into manageable components, then putting it all back together seamlessly. He allows room for exploration and errors all the while applauding small accomplishments. His classrooms are filled with laughter and at times some damn good music! … In the past 2 years that I’ve taken lessons with Armand my playing has improved tremendously. I’ve acquired some music theory without even knowing it and have been inspired to learn more and more. ”
- Cindy Kolesinskas