Aaron Mencher teaches clarinet, piano, and guitar at K&M Music School in San Diego. A composer and multi-instrumentalist, he brings experience in classical, jazz, and popular music to his teaching. He has taught both children and adults, tailoring lessons to each student’s goals, interests, and experience.
His goal is to help students become lifelong musicians and music lovers—people who enjoy playing and understand the music they make.
Aaron combines instrumental instruction with music theory, history, and composition. Students develop their playing skills while exploring how music works, how to listen closely, and how to express their own musical ideas.
Whether a student is learning an instrument for the first time or continuing previous studies, Aaron adapts his approach to their needs. He helps students build a foundation while making room for the music that interests them.
Aaron studied clarinet with Dr. Wesley Warnhoff at the University of Missouri. His performance experience includes orchestras, wind bands, chamber ensembles, and solo performances.
He brings this background to individual clarinet instruction, connecting the practical skills of playing with an understanding of musical structure and expression.
Learn more about clarinet lessons in San Diego.
Alongside clarinet, Aaron teaches piano and guitar to children and adults. His experience performing both instruments in jazz and popular music settings complements his classical composition training.
His lessons connect playing with listening, reading, and understanding music. Students can explore their musical interests while developing skills they can apply across different pieces and styles.
Explore our piano lessons or learn about our guitar lessons.
Aaron holds three degrees in music composition:
PhD in Music Composition — University of California San Diego, 2026
Master of Music in Composition — Peabody Conservatory, 2021
Bachelor of Music in Composition — University of Missouri, 2019
His composition teachers have included Dr. Michelle Lou, Dr. Marcos Balter, Dr. Oscar Bettison, and Dr. Yoshiaki Onishi. He studied clarinet with Dr. Wesley Warnhoff during his time at the University of Missouri.
Aaron’s teaching experience spans private instrumental lessons, university courses, and creative music programs.
At UC San Diego, he served as a graduate teaching assistant from 2021 to 2026, teaching subjects including music theory, music fundamentals, keyboard skills, aural skills, music history, and film scoring.
At Media Arts Center San Diego, he taught introductory film scoring, guiding students through composition, music production, and writing music to accompany film.
As a teaching fellow at the California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science, he taught music technology and mentored high school students as they developed original projects.
These experiences support his approach to teaching: connecting instrumental practice with listening, understanding, and creativity.
As a composer, Aaron’s collaborators have included the St. Louis Symphony, Albany Symphony, Splinter Reeds, Ensemble Apparat, Alarm Will Sound, and Avanti! Chamber Orchestra.
As a performer, he has played in settings ranging from orchestras and chamber ensembles to jazz and rock bands. His experience as both a composer and performer helps him offer students different ways to understand and engage with music.
Interested in clarinet, piano, or guitar lessons for yourself or your child? Contact K&M Music School to ask about Aaron’s availability and discuss your musical goals.
Studio: 5703 Oberlin Dr., Suite 106, San Diego, CA 92121
Call or text: (858) 588-3938
Opening Hours:
Monday – Friday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
