James “Aaron” Hardwick is a versatile and accomplished conductor, educator, and musician known for his engaging and precise approach. He has worked with various renowned orchestras and ensembles, demonstrating his prowess in both classical and contemporary genres. Notably, he has made significant contributions to the integration of video game music into academic settings and symphonic performances, earning recognition for his groundbreaking interdisciplinary projects. With a Doctor of Musical Arts in Performance (Conducting) from Shenandoah Conservatory, he currently serves as the Orchestra Director and Assistant Professor of Music at Wake Forest University, where he continues to expand his research and educational initiatives. Hardwick's innovative work has garnered attention in the fields of music education and symphonic performance, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and diversification within the music industry.