Born in Philly, Ari was exposed at an early age to a variety of musical experiences. His father is a conductor & classical singer, his mother a violinist & pianist. So, when he turned 4, Ari began studying piano & violin. He took up the drums at 12 and by age 14 was honing his skills with other young jazz musicians in the Philadelphia clubs. Ari attended the prestigious University of North Texas and William Patterson College before landing regular gigs with Shirley Scott and in New York City. After moving to Brooklyn, Ari found himself playing extensively with Jean Michel Pilc, Kenny Werner Trio, Chris Potter Underground, Joshua Redman, and with artist such as Herbie Hancock, Wynton Marsalis, Pat Martino, and Joe Lovano.