Benjamin W
Instruments: Voice, Saxophone, Clarinet
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Pop, Blues, R&B, Gospel, Latin, Funk, Salsa, Spirituals, Reggae, Latin Jazz, Swing, Samba
Benjamin W
Instruments: Voice, Saxophone, Clarinet
Styles:
Classical, Jazz, Pop, Blues, R&B, Gospel, Latin, Funk, Salsa, Spirituals, Reggae, Latin Jazz, Swing, Samba
Where I Teach:
Ages Taught: 10-80
BM, Minnesota State University Mankato, Saxophone Performance BA, Minnesota State University Mankato, Theatre Arts
2007-2011 * Member, MN Intercollegiate Honor Band 2007 & 2009 * Member, Midwest Regional Intercollegiate Honor Band 2008 & 2010 * Member, National Intercollegiate Honor Band
I am a passionate and versatile instructor with a background in multiple musical styles. As a saxophonist and woodwind doubler, I have performer in major pit orchestras throughout the region, backed international artists including Denver and the Mile High Orchestra, Gary Smulyn, Gordon Goodwin and Wayne Bergeron. Vocally I have performed with organizations including the MN Opera, Children's Theatre Company, History Theatre, Illusion Theatre and as a touring cabaret and theatre singer. I have a varied background, focusing on musical theatre, opera and jazz technique.
I have been instructing since I was 17. I have found that, as a performer, my craft only deepens as I develop as an education as well. I have been fulltime since college and have loved every minute. With my diverse background in multi styles I find that I bring a fresh and unique approach to music education. My primary goal is to bring together the technical element to grow in fundamentals, intermixed with fun! No matter the age, anyone can learn and develop, I am blessed to be able to wake up every morning and do what I love.
For students of all levels, I emphasize the fundamentals. No matter what style our focus is in, the development of scales, chord progressions, modes and technique patterns are universal. I incorporate solo literature early and often and work with the students to play the music that they listen to every day. We develop the students ear through weekly memorization of music the student enjoys on a daily basis. This allows us to branch into more advanced literature with a deeper understanding of what makes a style, a style.
Nothing is more of a joy to me than seeing my students succeed! I set an individual pace for each student that allows them to set realistic goals and accomplish them. I am an instructor that believes in making music education fun, and achievable, and pride myself on creating a fun and open environment for each student. Making sure that we acknowledge the successes of the student allows the student to continue striving for the more difficult, longer term goals. By figuring out what each student loves, musically, it will allow us to strive towards greatness, focusing on the music that they love already.
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