Teacher Profile: Aidan Sarmiento

About Aidan Sarmiento

Aidan Sarmiento, based in Kansas City, is a musician, actor, and teacher whose artistic journey began at age seven with piano lessons, inspired by his grandparents’ love for Bach. By elementary school, he was immersed in choir, theatre, and cello, excelling in regional and state competitions. A pivotal moment came during his freshman year of high school when he performed in Jekyll and Hyde, sparking a deep passion for musical theatre. Over time, he appeared in 16 productions with Shawnee Mission South and MTKC. He also served as PR Crewhead for his theatre department, managing sponsorships, newsletters, social media, and community engagement. His dedication to cello culminated in winning the 2017 Masterworks Concerto Competition, where he performed Saint-Saëns’ Cello Concerto No. 1.

Rather than choosing a single path, Aidan pursued both music and theatre at Drake University, earning a BA in Music and a BFA in Musical Theatre in 2021. Since then, he has remained active in Kansas City’s vibrant music and theatre scene. As an interdisciplinary artist, Aidan has performed jazz, pop, rock, and classical gigs, and has acted in various theatrical festivals and productions. He has played at venues ranging from retirement homes and antique malls to The Rino, The Blue Room, the Folk Festival, and Boulevardia. Currently, he is part of a string trio that performs music ranging from chamber works to cerebral folk.

In the summer of 2024, Aidan began his teaching journey. He teaches private lessons in voice, cello, viola, violin, and piano, as well as small-scale early education keyboard classes. His training has enabled him to balance solid technique with each student’s interests and abilities, fostering a fun and supportive learning environment while also preparing students for performance.

In December 2024, he began assistant and substitute teaching in the Kansas City Public School District through a nonprofit early childhood music program called String Sprouts. He currently teaches at Phillis Wheatley Elementary and Holliday Montessori Elementary. This program serves underserved communities, providing children ages 3–9 with a free violin or cello, 32 free weekly group lessons, in-school classes, quarterly performance opportunities, and an annual concert with the Kansas City Symphony.

Aidan remains passionate about making music and theatre accessible, using his skills to foster connection, curiosity, and joy in every space he enters.