Benjamin M
Instruments: Piano, Guitar, Saxophone, Drums, Bass Guitar, Recorder, Keyboard, Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar
Styles: Classical, Rock, Blues, Electronic, New Age, Punk, Avant-garde
Benjamin M
Instruments: Piano, Guitar, Saxophone, Drums, Bass Guitar, Recorder, Keyboard, Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar
Styles:
Classical, Rock, Blues, Electronic, New Age, Punk, Avant-garde
Where I Teach:
In Your Home
My Studio
Ages Taught: 6-80
ABOUT
Degrees / Training / Special Info:
BFA, Music Composition @ Columbia College Chicago Avant Garde Composition courses @ Grand Valley State Colleges, MI Theory courses @Boston Contemporary School of Music, MA Ensemble workshop with Anthony Braxton, 1975 Saxophone Lessons from Ken Vandemark and Ari Brown, 1995
Awards:
I have been on Records, cassettes, CDs, and DVDs over the course of several decades. Some of these releases I recorded, mixed and mastered myself. I have composed and recorded two symphonies for saxophone orchestra, and written a manuscript on my own method of Composition focusing on Interval Hierarchy. I have been doing Solo Tours along the east coast and midwest the last ten years. I played sax with renowned post-punk band Mission of Burma on several occasions in Boston and NYC. I have toured as a former member of The Glenn Branca Ensemble, and continue to tour Europe doing solo concerts and with French electronic musician Franck Vigroux.
Overview:
Hello future students! I much enjoy sharing my experience as a creative musician to my students whether they are 5 or 55, beginner or advanced. I am a patient teacher and do my best to encourage each student to find themselves as unique learners (musicians) unto themselves.
I graduated from Columbia College Chicago in 2002 with a BA focus on Music Composition.
While recently living in NYC, I formed a 12-member saxophone orchestra, composed and recorded two symphonies, performed and recorded with the late Glenn Branca's 100 Guitar Ensemble, and provided live Sound Design for renowned poetess Anne Carson. I have been touring Europe since 2011 in solo concerts and collaborative groups.
hope to speak with you soon and set up lessons at your own your home, my home or online!
EXPERIENCE
I began teaching as a teenager when I was in Ann Arbor's psychedelic rock band SPROTON LAYER. I have taught friends and family off and on for many years.
During the economic crash in 2009, I took a course on Teaching to understand different age groups and varied approaches in learning. Since then, I have taught steadily and found it very rewarding. One of the hardest things to get across to the Student is that the single most important thing to do is Play. Yes, Play -- AND Practice whatever technique that does not come easy. It is the Teacher's responsibility to provide a fun and Creative learning atmosphere to spur the Student into wanting to go that extra yard. Motivation is key!
METHODS USED
For beginner Piano / Keyboard Students, I use the Bastien Books. They are simple to understand and get the Student through the first few stages of Right Hand Left Hand coordination and positions.
I have several different books for Saxophone Students that feature technique, solo repertoire and duets.
Depending on whether the student is a child, a teenager or an adult, I choose either a Daisy Guitar Book, Hal Leonard books, or the Berkeley School of Music for Guitarists. However, I often deviate to go whatever direction the Student wants to focus on.
For drummers, I use Alfred's Beginning Drum Set method for basic beats and fills.
For all Students, I do my best to get them to write their OWN material, Songs, Riffs, Beats, Compositions!
LESSON STYLE
My teaching style is laid back with the full intention of moving forward in both technique and enjoyment. Each Lesson is geared toward the Goals we agree on as Student and Teacher. Depending on age and experience, I set goals at 3 months or 6 months. It is crucial to allow the student to learn at his or her own rate. Again, I strive to find the Creativity in the Student and to see how that can be developed as quickly as possible, especially if they are interested in songwriting, singing, composition, or simply doing their "own thing". This is how I learned as a teenager, even before I had any Lessons.
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