Ben | Teacher #4374
About Ben
Ben is an experienced teacher offering lessons in bassoon, classical guitar, composition, electric guitar, guitar, piano, and singer-songwriter techniques. He teaches students of all ages, from 6 years old to adults, and is available for lessons online, in his Ottawa studio, or in your home. With a Master's degree in music performance from McGill University and a rich background in various instruments and musical styles, Ben provides a comprehensive and engaging learning experience. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced student, Ben's lessons are tailored to help you achieve your musical goals.
Piano Guitar Bassoon Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Composition Singer-Songwriter Music Theory (Beginner-Intermediate) Solfege Music Appreciation Composition Music Theory (Advanced) RCM - Analysis RCM - Intermediate Harmony RCM - Basic Harmony RCM - Advanced Rudiments RCM - Intermediate Rudiments RCM - Basic Rudiments
Online Lessons In Studio Lessons Lessons in Your Home
Classical Jazz Pop Latin Rock and Roll Folk Progressive Rock Baroque
English
Teaching Philosophy
I perform about 30 concerts a year, but feel strongly that music making is about the journey. Before every show I tell my colleagues to "have fun" because I feel that joyful enthusiasm is key to having the focus necessary for staying in the moment and having a great performance. Since we perform what we practice, working to have fun while practicing is also key to great and fulfilling music making. Practicing is about working things out which can seem daunting and sometimes frustrating, but if one fosters a spirit of curiosity and wonder each step of the learning process can seem magical and rewarding. Learning music is a joyous journey for people of all levels that never stops, thankfully.
Musical Education
I have a Masters Degree in music performance on Bassoon with a focus on Chamber Music from McGill University where I also received my Bachelors Degree in Bassoon performance. There I studied with the present principal bassoonists of the LA Philharmonic and the Cleveland Orchestra. I also studied Guitar and Piano in high school having attained about a RCM grade 8 level on both instruments. While in high school I played in a number of folk, and jazz bands and studied voice with Micah Barnes and did a lot of musical theatre.
Lessons in your home
Ben is available to teach in your home if you are located in the following areas:- Ottawa, ON
Lessons in a music studio
Ben offers lessons from his studio. Map locations are approximate and based on the postal code of the teacher’s studio. The full address will be provided upon registration.Lessons on an online platform
Ben can provide online instruction. While other platforms are possible BAH strongly recommends the use of the Zoom video conferencing platform as it is optimized for music lessons and audio quality.Reviews
Associate Teacher Lesson Rates:
Ben is a Beethoven at Home Associate Teacher
- 30 minutes: $39
- 45 minutes: $49
- 60 minutes: $59
Home visit fee: $15 minimum fee. Teachers may negotiate a higher travel fee if the travel distance is longer than they are comfortable with. Most arrangements use the minimum fee.
One-Time Family Registration: $25. This covers your entire family for life - once you're in, everyone can take lessons!
Our Promise to You
Getting Started Together
We don't offer free trials, but we do something better - a relaxed 2-lesson getting-to-know-you period. You can pause anytime with just 24 hours notice. After your third lesson, we ask for a friendly 2-lesson heads up if you need to stop.
Life Happens - We Get It
Give us 24 hours notice for any cancellation or reschedule and you'll receive full credit. Planning a family vacation or summer break? Perfect - just let us know a day ahead and we'll pause your lessons.
When You're Under the Weather
If illness strikes with short notice (less than 24 hours), you'll still be charged since your teacher has reserved that time. However, most teachers are happy to offer makeup lessons when possible - they have the final say, especially if last-minute cancellations become a pattern.
Stopping Lessons
Need to take a break? We just ask for a 2-lesson notice:
Weekly lessons = 2 weeks notice
Every other week = 3 weeks notice
Twice weekly = 1 week notice
Summer breaks are different - no notice period needed when you return in the fall!
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