Born in Melbourne, Australia, Ara spent most of his childhood in Japan after relocating there from a young 3 years of age. Attending his early years of primary school in Fukuoka Prefecture, he started playing the piano from age 4. After moving to Los Angeles and returning home to Melbourne, his musical career flourished, consequently winning his first two titles of Best Conductor's Award, conducting a choir of 400 at the Melbourne Concert Hall.

As an aspiring talent in his early teenage years, Ara resonated with the classical greats, learning to play their complex pieces by ear and gaining inspiration from their 18th - 19th century style. His unique talent was soon recognised and began bi-annual solo concerts at the St Leonard’s College Music Hall where he chose to only perform his own compositions.

Ara took a turn in his musical career at 17 and began training as a Latin American/Ballroom dancer, going on to compete for several years before earning 2 National DanceSport titles at the Australian Institute of Sport and 3 consecutive State titles. During this time, Ara's career as a celebrity dancer kick-started as a result of his appearances on the hit Australian TV series "Strictly Dancing" on the ABC Network where he made appearances on both Series 1 & 2.

Consequently, retiring as a dancer after 10 years of performing, teaching and competing, Ara now focuses solely on his career as a pianist and composer. Ara's inability to read and write music with no formal training has forced him to fully rely on his senses and immerse himself into music with no inhibitions. As he states "music allows me to express my soul in a language others can hear".

In collaboration with Europe's leading piano manufacturer, Ara endorses Petrof Pianos as his choice of instrument.