Dr. Aaron J. Witek, Assistant Professor of Trumpet and Coordinator of Brass and Percussion at Stetson University School of Music, was selected as one of Yamaha’s 2025 “40 under 40” Music Education Excellence Honorees. Yamaha annually chooses to recognize 40 outstanding music educators under 40 who excel beyond standard expectations in their fields. These individuals are nominated by community members for their positive impact.

Dr. Witek, an accomplished trumpet player, esteemed music educator, revered clinician, and author, currently serves as Assistant Professor of Trumpet and Coordinator of Brass and Percussion at Stetson University. Prior to his tenure at Stetson, Dr. Witek held the position of Assistant Professor of Trumpet at Ithaca College from 2018 to 2022 and previously at the University of Louisiana Monroe from 2013 to 2018. Notably, during his time at the University of Louisiana Monroe, he was a distinguished member of the renowned faculty ensemble, the Black Bayou Brass.

An active performer on the international stage, Dr. Witek has showcased his musical talent in countries spanning from the United States to Australia, Bangladesh, China and Mexico. In addition to his stellar performance career, Dr. Witek is a sought-after clinician and educator, having conducted recitals and master classes at prestigious universities and conferences worldwide. Dr. Witek’s dedication to mentorship has resulted in numerous successes for his students, including the attainment of International Trumpet Guild Scholarships, recognition in esteemed competitions such as the Music Teachers National Association Competition, and semifinalists in the National Trumpet Competition. His excellence in teaching has been acknowledged with awards such as The Foundation Award for Excellence from the University of Louisiana Monroe. Witek currently holds the role of Brass Pedagogy and Teaching Effectiveness Specialist for the Crossmen and Bugle Corps.

Dr. Witek earned his Doctorate of Music in Trumpet Performance from Florida State University, where he also completed his Master of Music degree in Performance. He obtained his Bachelor of Music in Education degree from the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam. His formative training was under the guidance of Christopher Moore, Bryan Goff, John Ellis, and Alex Jokopi.

Aaron Witek is proud to be a Yamaha Artist and a Monster Oil Performing Artist.

Read even more about Yamaha’s recognition of Dr. Witek here: https://hub.yamaha.com/music-educators/prof-dev/teaching-tips/tips-for-first-year-educators-2025/