Meet Aron Accurso: Composer, Music Director, and Broadway Talent

Introduction: Who Is Aron Accurso?

When it comes to Broadway and modern musical theatre, some names quietly shape the sound of the stage while staying out of the spotlight. One of those talents is Aron Accurso, a composer, conductor, pianist, and music director whose work spans from award-winning musicals to hit YouTube channels. Known for blending heart, humor, and social relevance in his projects, Aron has built a career that bridges traditional theatre, choral music, and digital media. Whether as Associate Music Director of Disney’s Aladdin on Broadway or co-creator of the viral children’s channel Songs for Littles, Aron has made his mark as one of today’s most versatile music professionals.

Quick Bio Information

Full Name: Aron Accurso
Profession: Composer, Conductor, Pianist, Music Director
Known For: Associate Music Director of Aladdin on Broadway, Co-creator of Songs for Littles
Birthplace: Denver, Colorado
Education: BA in Music Theory/Composition, St. Olaf College
Major Works: The Dogs of Pripyat, Seeing Red, We Have Apples, Strega Nona
Awards: Jerry Bock Award, Weston New Musical Award, Jerry Harrington Award
Broadway Credits: Aladdin, Sister Act, Nice Work If You Can Get It, The Little Mermaid, Billy Elliot
Notable Collaborations: Rachel Griffin (wife, composer/lyricist), Joey Mazzarino, Jill Abramovitz
YouTube Channel: Songs for Littles (over 800 million views)

Early Life and Education

Aron Accurso grew up in Denver, Colorado, where his love for music began at an early age. He pursued that passion by enrolling at St. Olaf College, a school known for its strong music program. There, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music Theory and Composition, gaining a foundation that would later fuel his career in theatre. College life was about much more than classes for him, though. Aron sang with the prestigious St. Olaf Choir, performed in theatre productions, and joined The Limestones, a contemporary a cappella group. These experiences shaped not only his technical skill but also his collaborative spirit, preparing him for the teamwork-heavy world of Broadway.

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First Steps Into Musical Theatre

Like many theatre artists, Aron’s path was a gradual climb. After college, he moved to New York City, where he began working as a pianist and rehearsal accompanist. His early credits included serving as rehearsal pianist and helping with music casting for Billy Elliot. This backstage training ground gave him invaluable exposure to Broadway’s fast-paced world. Over time, his skills as a conductor and arranger began to stand out, and he soon became trusted by some of the industry’s biggest names. Alongside this, Aron started composing his own musicals, setting the stage for a career that would balance original writing with Broadway leadership.

Original Musicals by Aron Accurso

One of Aron Accurso’s defining achievements is his contribution to original theatre. His shows combine creativity with contemporary themes. The Dogs of Pripyat, co-created with lyricist Jill Abramovitz and playwright Leah Napolin, tells the story of abandoned pets after the Chernobyl disaster. The show won the Jerry Bock Award, the Weston New Musical Award, and was presented at the National Alliance of Musical Theatre Festival and the Goodspeed Festival of New Artists. Another of his works, Seeing Red, created with Emmy-winning puppeteer and Sesame Street veteran Joey Mazzarino, is a puppet comedy exploring immigration. His mental health-focused musical, We Have Apples, written with his wife Rachel Griffin, was featured in The Washington Post and CBS News for its thoughtful and timely subject matter. Aron also composed Strega Nona, a children’s musical based on Tomie dePaola’s beloved book. Praised by The New York Times for its “happy, hummable songs,” it toured nationally for two years, delighting young audiences across the country.

Broadway Career Highlights

Alongside his own works, Aron Accurso has become a vital force on Broadway. He is best known as the Associate Music Director and Associate Conductor of Disney’s Aladdin, a role he continues to hold. His Broadway résumé is extensive, including Sister Act (Associate Conductor), Nice Work If You Can Get It (Assistant Conductor and pianist), The Little Mermaid (Key 1), and Billy Elliot. In addition to Broadway, Aron worked as Music Director and arranger for Up Here, a Bobby Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez musical at La Jolla Playhouse. He also collaborated on Calvin Berger by Barry Wyner, serving as Music Director and arranger. These credits highlight his versatility, proving he can handle everything from family-friendly Disney blockbusters to intimate original works.

Awards, Fellowships, and Professional Recognition

Aron Accurso’s talent has not gone unnoticed. He is a Dramatists Guild Fellow, an honor given to promising new theatre writers. He also won the Jerry Harrington Award while participating in the respected BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Workshop, a program that has nurtured many Broadway composers. His time as a resident writer at the Johnny Mercer Colony further reflects his place among serious theatre creators. Awards for his musicals, including the Jerry Bock Award and Weston New Musical Award, confirm that Aron is not only a behind-the-scenes music director but also a composer whose original works are respected and celebrated.

Beyond Broadway: Choral and Commissions

Aron’s artistry isn’t confined to the stage. He has also composed for choirs, blending his theatre sensibilities with classical traditions. His choral works include You Are Enough: A Mental Health Suite, commissioned by the University of Michigan, which uses music to address emotional wellness. He also co-wrote The Trail with fellow theatre writer Adam Overett, a piece commissioned by the Colorado Children’s Chorale. His music has also been featured by the Tennessee All-State Choir, proving his versatility across both professional and educational settings. These works demonstrate that his influence reaches beyond Broadway, touching students, singers, and audiences in diverse ways.

Aron Accurso on TV and Media

Over the years, Aron has also made appearances on television. He has played piano on The Bachelorette and The View, representing Aladdin and showcasing his skill as a performer. He has accompanied American Idol finalists on shows like Regis and Kelly, Michael and Kelly, and The Wendy Williams Show. Musical theatre fans may even have spotted him on NBC’s Smash, where he appeared briefly beside a piano. These appearances, while short, highlight the wide range of platforms where his music has reached audiences.

Songs for Littles: YouTube Success with Rachel Griffin

In 2020, when theatres closed due to the pandemic, Aron Accurso and his wife Rachel Griffin pivoted to a surprising new venture. Together, they launched Songs for Littles, a YouTube channel featuring music, puppetry, and educational entertainment for children. What began as a small project quickly grew into a viral success. By 2025, the channel has gained over 800 million views, making it one of the internet’s go-to destinations for early childhood content. Aron, who had never worked with puppets before, became an “amateur puppeteer,” proving once again that his talents stretch far beyond the orchestra pit. The channel not only provided comfort for children and parents during the pandemic but also introduced Aron’s work to a completely new global audience.

Personal Life and Collaborations

Behind the music, Aron Accurso’s life is filled with collaboration and creativity. His wife, Rachel Griffin, is a fellow composer and lyricist as well as a Dramatists Guild Fellow. Together, they have worked on meaningful projects like We Have Apples and Songs for Littles. Their partnership blends artistry with advocacy, particularly in raising awareness for mental health through music. Aron is also known for his love of singing, a passion he carried from his college days, and his willingness to explore new roles—like puppeteering—that bring joy to families worldwide. His story is as much about family and community as it is about professional success.

Aron Accurso’s Lasting Impact on Theatre and Music

Looking at his career, Aron Accurso’s impact is clear. He is a multi-talented artist whose contributions stretch across Broadway, children’s theatre, choral works, and online education. His musicals have tackled topics as wide-ranging as nuclear disaster, immigration, and mental health, while his Broadway work has brought beloved shows to life for millions of theatergoers. At the same time, his YouTube channel has reached families worldwide, proving that music and storytelling are as powerful online as they are on stage. Aron continues to be a unique figure in the arts: grounded, versatile, and always pushing the boundaries of what a composer and music director can do.

Conclusion

Aron Accurso may not always be the name on the marquee, but his influence on theatre and music is undeniable. From composing award-winning musicals to conducting Broadway blockbusters and creating one of YouTube’s most beloved children’s channels, he has proven himself as a dynamic and forward-thinking artist. His journey shows that music can reach people in countless ways—on stage, in choirs, through screens, and in the hearts of children and adults alike. As his career continues, Aron Accurso stands as a reminder that versatility, creativity, and passion are the true hallmarks of lasting success.

FAQs About Aron Accurso

Who is Aron Accurso?
Aron Accurso is a Broadway music director, composer, conductor, and pianist known for his work on Disney’s Aladdin and for creating original musicals such as The Dogs of Pripyat and We Have Apples.

Where is Aron Accurso from?
He was born and raised in Denver, Colorado, before moving to New York City to pursue his career in theatre and music.

What musicals has Aron Accurso written?
His original musicals include The Dogs of Pripyat, Seeing Red, We Have Apples, and Strega Nona.

What Broadway shows has Aron Accurso worked on?
He has worked on Aladdin, Sister Act, Nice Work If You Can Get It, The Little Mermaid, and Billy Elliot.

What is Songs for Littles?
Songs for Littles is a YouTube channel created by Aron Accurso and his wife Rachel Griffin during the pandemic. It offers educational and musical content for children and has gained over 800 million views.

Has Aron Accurso won any awards?
Yes, he has won several, including the Jerry Bock Award, the Weston New Musical Award, and the Jerry Harrington Award.

What is Aron Accurso’s educational background?
He studied at St. Olaf College, where he earned a BA in Music Theory and Composition and participated in the St. Olaf Choir and other musical groups.