By Sarah Abrahamsen | Posted February 16, 2023
Not only is music a form of entertainment, it can also lift up others during difficult times. Montgomery resident Chris Aggabao has dedicated his life to doing just that. He believes that music adds happiness to everyday life, and can make every moment special.
He does it in many ways all around New Jersey, spreading joy through his piano playing and singing performances. At Brandywine assisted living in Princeton, Aggabao is a regular performer, delighting residents with tunes from the past. He enjoys watching residents sing along to familiar songs from Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra. Knowing elderly people often feel lonely, Aggabao strives to help with familiar music that brings back cheerful memories from the past. Aggabao says, “The most rewarding thing about music is seeing the smiles it brings to people’s faces.”
Aggabao loves working with children as well and spends most of his daytime hours as a paraprofessional at Montgomery Upper Middle School (UMS), working in digital music classes, band, and other subjects. “I love the UMS community and making a difference with children,” he says. Aggabao is also a musician at local churches, something he’s drawn to because he knows he’s touching others.
You would think with all of his commitments, Aggabao wouldn’t have time for much else. Filled with passion, he spends his spare time doing what he loves: more music. Aggabao is deeply invested in creating his very own original rock songs and instrumentals. Aggabao’s new single, “The Next Day,” is a musical portrayal of how he (and many others) deal with hardships.
After his grandmother died, Aggabao created this song to express his feelings. “Her death made me feel empty. I knew I would wake up the next day feeling different without her.” Aggabao believes that this piece can help others get through difficult times. “Suffering a loss is hard. My hope was that people could find comfort in my songs.”
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Although his performances have more than 10,000 views on the internet, Aggabao isn’t looking to become famous, he’s looking to make a difference. He plans to continue making original music and expanding his audience. His piece, “Blue Collar Life,” has over 5,000 plays on SoundCloud and is heard on 107.7 FM, The Bronc.
Not only does Aggabo make music, he lives through music and uses it to help others. He feels fulfilled by making just a small change in somebody’s day, or leaving a lasting impression.
Aggabao holds a Master of Music Degree in Piano Pedagogy and Performance from Westminster Choir College of Rider University (American Classical Music Hall of Fame) in NJ. He also studied Music History at Princeton University.
You can find his music on Youtube and Soundcloud. For more information, visit chrisaggabao.com.
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