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Piano with Ben B.

Spencerport, New York

5.0
(6)
OverviewAboutReviewsExperienceEducationAwardsLanguagesGallery
Teaches online
Teaches Beginner, Intermediate
Age: 5+
Speaks English, Portuguese
Teaching since 2006
Doctorate of Musical Arts

    About Ben B.

    5.0
    (6)
    Hi, I'm Ben B., a professional saxophonist and educator. I have been teaching lessons for ten years, including young students as well as professional musicians, and I find it fun and rewarding. I've also taught music at various colleges, and I've written two saxophone method books, which are used in college teaching. In my own learning, I've studied with the best, including earning a doctorate in music from Eastman School of Music. As a performer, I've worked all over the U.S. and performed with great artists like Chris Potter and Dave Rivello. I like to make lessons enjoyable for students, but I also push them to learn and grow. My students learn to understand the music they hear. Not only do they learn to read music, they learn to perform with style and expression. I find that students play their best when they love their sound, so I also focus on technique. Overall, my students learn to use their ears and musicianship to be the best musicians they can be.

    Instructor details

    Location:
    Teacher's Studio
    Teacher's Studio
    SEE MAP
    S. Union St. Spencerport
    Student's Home
    Student's Home
    Teaches Online
    Teaches Online

    Teaching Hours

    Monday
    6 AM-6:30 AM
    7:30 AM-10 AM
    12 PM-3 PM
    4:30 PM-7 PM
    Tuesday
    6 AM-5:30 PM
    Wednesday
    6 AM-7 PM
    Thursday
    6 AM-7 PM
    Friday
    6 AM-8 AM
    9 AM-7 PM
    Saturday
    6 AM-8 AM
    10 AM-2 PM
    Times are shown in your local timezone (UTC-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada)
    Pricing
    30 minutes
    $25
    45 minutes
    $38
    60 minutes
    $50
    ReviewsWrite a review
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    5.0
    6 Reviews
    Arlene
    Student's home
    Ben is a fabulous teacher! I can't sing his praises high enough. He has a great deal of patience, depth of knowledge and good humor as well. I consider myself very fortunate to have him as my clarinet teacher.
    Posted Mar 7, 2017
    Steve Brasgalla
    Online
    Ben is a fantastic teacher, HIGHLY recommended! He is an accomplished musician himself and is a seasoned professional in the fields of teaching, writing, theory and general promotion of the arts. He is patient and positive in all things. He quickly identifies areas of a Student's performance that can be addressed easily and directly for noticeable improvement in a short time. He works with what he has (meaning student skill levels across the spectrum) and is able to propel a student forward and help them advance, while remaining fun and upbeat. The lesson cost is very reasonable and online lessons seem to work out fine. Be sure to watch his Blog regularly because there is always fresh information there that keeps you thinking and motivated to surge forward in your playing. You will be glad you took instruction with Ben Britton!
    Posted Sep 10, 2016
    Adam
    Online
    Ben is engaging, knowledgeable and patient, qualities any student should appreciate. I certainly appreciated the attention to detail on developing a good tone with a follow-up check, after the actual "tone" lesson was completed. If one puts the work in the advice from Ben will produce results. Look out Chris Potter!
    Posted Sep 9, 2016
    1122Next >Next >

    Experience

    Music Education Author

    Sep, 2010 - Present

    Self Employed

    I've written two saxophone method books, endorsed by great saxophonists like Ben Wendel, Dave Liebman, Walt Weiskopf, and Charles Pillow. Both of the books are used in college teaching, and one of them is used by the world renowned Steve Wilson as part of the saxophone seminar at the City College of New York. I have also written many educational articles on improvisation, saxophone, and ear training, including articles for Saxophone Life Magazine.

    Graduate Teaching Assistant

    Sep, 2013 - May, 2016

    Eastman School of Music

    Gave instruction to New Jazz Ensemble saxophonists as needed. Assisted in directing jazz ensembles. Assisted teaching a music theory course.

    Adjunct Instructor

    Sep, 2012 - May, 2013

    University of Pennsylvania

    Taught applied jazz saxophone. Directed jazz combo.

    Adjunct Instructor

    Sep, 2012 - Dec, 2012

    Ursinus College

    I directed the jazz ensemble, filling in for a professor on sabbatical. I also taught jazz saxophone lessons here prior to this semester appointment.

    Adjunct Instructor

    Sep, 2010 - Aug, 2013

    Monroe County Community College

    Taught music courses. Directed student jazz ensemble.

    Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute, and Piano Instructor

    Jan, 2006 - Present

    Private Studio

    I teach a private studio that has included young students and professional musicians.

    Education

    Bachelor of Music

    Sep, 2005 - May, 2008

    Eastman School of Music

    Doctorate of Musical Arts

    Sep, 2013 - Aug, 2016

    Eastman School of Music

    Master of Music

    Sep, 2008 - May, 2010

    Manhattan School of Music

    Awards

    Betty Carter Jazz Ahead Residency

    Apr, 2007

    Kennedy Center

    Finalist in Detroit Jazz Festival National Saxophone Competition

    Aug, 2012

    Detroit Jazz Festival

    1st Place in the 1st Annual Charlie Parker Cutting Contest

    Jul, 2012

    12 Street Jump as heard on NPR

    Languages

    Portuguese

    Limited Proficiency

    English

    Native Proficiency

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