
Lesson Details
Music Theory
- Levels Taught:
- Beginner, Intermediate
Benjamin teaches

About
- Teaches students:
- Ages 4+ and special needs
- Teaching since:
- March 2000
Hello Future Students!
I recently moved to Detroit from Ypsilanti. Before that I was in NYC for 10 years and during the '90s I was in Chicago. Those experiences vastly helped me develop Networking, Performance and Teaching experience.
Whether you want to pursue a Musical Career or simply learn how to Play your Favorite Tunes for friends and family, I am here as your Teacher and Guide. I teach at my own home or through the use of Skype. I hope to get my Car fixed soon!
As a Father of four, I have had the joy in teaching my children Guitar, Saxophone, Songwriting, Composition and Keyboard. As a parent I have found that Patience and Encouragement is sometimes the best form of support. It has been proven that learning Music helps develop intuition, self-awareness, and social skills as well as improve in other subjects not directly related to the arts such as Mathematics and Science.
One of the most important aspects of playing Music is being able to Play by Ear. This has been a priceless gift that I have developed throughout my life and I encourage all musicians, young and old, to do the same. The use of simple Rhythmic Dictation and Ear Training exercises can do wonders for "picking out" Beats and Harmonies no matter what Genre we are interested in.
I attended music courses at The Boston School of Contemporary Music, Thomas Jefferson College (MI), and have a BA double majoring in Music Composition and English at Columbia College Chicago.
Besides touring internationally as a Guitarist and Saxophonist, I am a Songwriter. THIRD BORDER's "Sun of Water; Sea of Light" was selected to be nominated for the Grammy's as The Best Alternative Album of the Year in 2006. On this record, I played Guitar, Saxophone, sang Lead Vocal and wrote all Songs. So, if you are a songwriter, we can polish up your approach!
If you would like to learn how to compose a Solo, a Duet or Ensemble, I can get you started in a low-stress, one-step-at-a-time procedure. As a Composer, I have done Sound Design for Film, Dance, Spoken Word and Multi-media Performance - most notably with renowned poet Anne Carson and former members of The Merce Cunningham Dance Co. I am Composer and Conductor for New York City's first full-on Saxophone Orchestra; a 13-member ensemble.
I hope to talk to you soon!
Benjamin
*** Lesson Details ***
My teaching style is relaxed with a forte on Patience and Encouragement. Though I have specific expectations on what needs to be learned, I gear each lesson towards the student's wishes and their personal direction in Creativity. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced student, I can guide you wherever you are headed!
For Guitar (acoustic or electric), you will learn the fundamentals of Music Theory, Chord Structure, varied Strumming and Picking Techniques, and Scale Positions to travel from one part of the neck to the other. Any song you wish to learn, I can teach!
For Saxophone, you will learn proper Embouchure technique, Notation, Music Theory, and Scale Patterns for improvisation. Whether you are interested in a Classical, Blues, Funk or Jazz approach, I can help you find your own sound that is both personal and professional.
I teach 2nd year Piano and Drums/Percussion directing you into Intermediate level.
For those leaning toward the experimental genres, I am well-versed in the use of Electronics. Much can be accomplished with my lessons on Sound-Scape Improvisation either as 1 on 1 or Group Workshops.
*** Studio Equipment ***
At Home Studio: music stands, metronome, guitar amps, electric and acoustic guitars, guitar tablature, staff music paper, a scanner for weekly homework. I can also record and send MP3s of our lessons to review at home if you wish.
*** Travel Equipment ***
Students will need their own instrument, a mutually chosen music book to learn from, a metronome, and hopefully easy access to a keyboard (very helpful!)
*** Specialties ***
I am fluent in Rock genres, Blues, Beginning Jazz, Beginning Classical technique, Prepared Guitar, Electronics/Sound Art.
Experience
Voix, Texte
Nov 2017 - Nov 2017Performed the multimedia piece, RUINES, in Metz, FR. For that I narrate, sing and play organ. I am part of a company that premiere's in France approximately twice a year.
Multiphonic Guitar and Vocal
Nov 2017 - Nov 2017I performed in Brooklyn, NY and Easthampton, MA and had two recording sessions; one in Paris with a poet and techno artist and one in NYC with drums, bass, two guitars, and tenor saxophone. Both sessions went exceptionally well. The avant-techno trio now has a 4-day residency in Paris for early March 2018 and the jam session in NYC is considering the release of material from the recording session.
+ Read MoreVoix, Texte, Clavecine
Apr 2017 - Apr 2017Brief Residency working on a new multimedia piece with Franck Vigroux
Voix, Texte
Mar 2017 - Mar 2017Performed RUINES in Perpignan and Paris
Performer
Jan 2016 - Feb 2016Premiered in France as the primary character in a 60' multimedia Play entitled RUINES
Artist in Residency: Ruines
Apr 2015 - Apr 2015Rehearsed as primary character (narrative/singing) in 60' multimedia Play.
Artist in Residency: Transistor
Nov 2014 - Nov 2014Collaborated as Vocalist with French electronic artist Franck V. Also collaborated with Poet (name updated soon). Composed new work with both Collaborations and presented a multimedia performance.
Artist in Residency: Creative Sound Workshops
Jan 2013 - Jan 2013Collaboration between Music & Poetry, Collaboration between Music and Painting.
Artist in Residency: Creative Sound Workshops
Apr 2012 - Apr 2012Workshop on Graphic Scores (pictorial music) and Found Sound (naturally occurring or sounds made without means of musical instruments)
Artist in Residency: Creative Sound Workshops
Jan 2011 - Jan 201120th Century Composition, Experimental Rock Orchestra, Collaboration between Music & Dance.
Artist in Residency: Creative Sound Workshops
Apr 2010 - Apr 2010Workshop on building small homemade musical instruments (Electric Cardboard Guitars, Straw Oboes, Tin Can Drums Sets) including basic instruction on Rhythm and Sound.
Data Management
Sep 2000 - Oct 2009Real Estate Database management (Chicago) and Database management of Film Rights, Actors Rights (NYC).
I was laid off in 2009 due to the Economic Crash.
Artist in Residency: 20th Century Creative Class
Apr 1992 - Apr 1992Invited to present work on Collaboration, Composition, and Improvisation with my Art Rock Ensemble GKW.
Education
BA in Music Composition and English
Sep 1997 - Jun 2002Alto Saxophone study
Sep 1993 - Jan 199620th Century Composition, Multimedia Performance
Sep 1974 - Jun 1975Music Theory and Improvisation
Sep 1973 - Sep 1974Languages
English
French
Spanish
Certifications
Introduction to Teaching
Mar 20116-week course with the intention to get a Teacher's Certificate. The Instructor stated half way through the course that we would have a 10% chance of getting a Teacher's position. This is why I did not pursue in a costly Certificate.
Awards
one of 48 Artists selected to be nominated for the Grammies
Jul 2007Photos & Videos
26 Reviews
Write a ReviewReally enjoyed my first lesson with Benjamin. He was very patient with me
Very patient and encouraging
I was very pleased with my granddaughters first lesson. Ben was patient, speaking to her positively and encouraging. Nora was very happy, showing her dad what she learned and is looking forward to her next lesson.
Ben is a great teacher! He communicates very well. He is relaxed and very professional.
Very down to earth and very knowledgeable in lots of aspects of music
Mr Miller was very attentive to my son's needs upon our very first visit. He had his saxophone ready to play right along with my son as he was teaching. My son, who is 12, stated that Mr Miller was cool and spoke his language so that he could understand.
+ Read MoreGreat teacher and impressive 1st class. Look forward to the next classes!
Relaxed atmosphere with a lot of good information.
Ben is a very good knowledgeable teacher.
Ben has been teaching my 8 year old daughter drum technique since Nov 2015. He has done a great job at connecting with her too make her excited about music! I appreciate how he encourages her play intuitively, which is teaching her principles that she can apply in all aspects of music, not just in playing the drums. I would recommend Ben for a student of any age, but I have been impressed with how he has connected with my daughter.
+ Read MoreBen was a great instructor. He was very patient.
Ben was a great instructor. He was very patient.
Ben was incredible. I had to move out of state shortly after we begun, but he taught me a lot during our few lessons. He's definitely a best bet.
The first lesson was very good and we're off to a good start!
Ben has tremendous patience with his students which is a hallmark of an instructor of a high caliber. Best of all, Ben enjoys making his students grasp the concepts progressively and in as congenial a manner as possible.
I highly recommend Ben for all new and experienced students alike.
Ben has skill(s) in good measure coupled with his understanding of a student's comprehension level. When you sit and learn with Ben, you just wish that the class carries on without a break. His enthusiasm is so contagious!
Ben is such a great teacher for Saxophone. Professional, be patient and nice. He will notice and correct details of kid's breath, mouth, shape of body and even the finger type. My son is so happy to learn with him. And get repaid improvement even he is zero experience to start. Now my son is loving saxophone. And I am so happy we can have Ben as his teacher.
+ Read MoreBen is a wonderful teacher. Ben is patient while I learn new techniques. I learn new techniques every session which is important to me to keep on learning and keep on improving. Ben and I play together in review of what I have learned which is fun and it teaches me about music timing, rhythm and more. I have brought some songs to Ben and we review and play. I feel thus far I have made great strides as a guitarist and hope to make more.
+ Read MoreBen is an excellent teacher who is willing to adapt to the specific needs and interests of the student. I have been very happy so far and look forward to continue working with him.
Benjamin is a dynamic teacher who recognizes his students strength and weakness and provides specific instruction for improvement. Great job Ben.
Benjamin is a great teacher, great observer and wonderful company in online teaching. I couldn't ask for more.
Music lessons
He was a very good and attentive teacher.
One Perfect Music Teacher
Ben has been providing one-on-one music lessons to my sons, who play tenor sax and guitar, respectively, for almost three years, at our home. Besides being a multi-talented and creative musician, he is able to provide thoughtful, patient, and effective teaching methods that enhance their learning. He can connect to his students on multiple levels, being able to stir their creativity, while maintaining structured and organized lessons. He is always well organized and prepared and, at the same time, is always open to my suggestions, employing an individual approach to each student. I can highly recommend Ben to anyone looking for a patient and talented teacher who loves what he is doing.
Guitar Lessons
I am a beginner, literally. Ben's method of instruction makes it easy to understand and follow with ease. I am progressing much quicker than expected, because I have a great teacher! He is highly recommended!
Awesome
My two girls ages 6 and 9 are both taking piano lessons and having a teacher who is patient, encouraging and fun is very important. Ben has a great personality and he found an approach to each child. They enjoy practicing and are proud of themselves when they figure out the notes on their own. I believe that learning should be fun and inspiring and having the right teacher plays a big role. Thank you Ben for your hard work and for making it fun and interesting. With the right guidance anything is possible and Ben possesses the skills, experience and finds ways to appeals to their childish minds. Looking forward to seeing the girls grow and write their own music.
Concise explanations gave me great "tools" to work with!
Ben Miller's thorough knowledge of the instrument combined with his ability to explain & define concepts related to the lesson provided critical elements necessary to help free myself from the keyboard mentality and think in terms of the fretboard. A FIVE STAR TEACHER with TEN STAR TALENTS !!
Learning is a collaborative effort
Ben is a great guitar teacher and a good listener. The lessons are a collaborative effort. If I have questions or concerns he listens and we work together to try and resolve them. The lessons are at my speed and I never feel rushed.