About Ben
Ben, a dedicated woodwind specialist, offers clarinet, flute, and saxophone lessons, alongside ear training, harmony, and jazz improvisation. Holding a BA (with honors) in Music (Performance) from Dartington College of Arts, UK, he brings vast experience from performing globally. Ben's teaching spans all levels, from beginners to advanced learners, fostering a love for music. With a passion for jazz, classical, pop, and more, he tailors lessons to individual needs, ensuring a supportive environment for growth. Ben offers in-home and studio lessons, as well as online instruction. Book an interview now.
BOOK AN INTERVIEW WITH BEN NOW
As an educator, I take immense pride in infusing my music lessons with an unwavering passion for both music and learning. Throughout my teaching journey, I have had the joy of working with students of all ages, from the tiniest of infants to seasoned adults. My comfort in teaching spans a diverse range, from beginners to advanced University-level learners, and I embrace the opportunity to delve into various musical styles, including classical, pop, jazz, and improvisation. Achieving a 100% pass rate in exams across different syllabuses in both the UK and Canada has been one of my most gratifying accomplishments. Witnessing my students succeed and grow is a constant source of inspiration and fulfillment for me. In every lesson, my primary goal is to create a warm and supportive environment that encourages each student to flourish and discover their unique musical talents. Whether it's nurturing a young beginner's love for music or helping an experienced musician hone their craft, I am dedicated to fostering a love for music and a sense of achievement in all my students. Being a part of my students' musical journey is truly an honor, and I cherish the opportunity to guide and inspire them on this beautiful path of exploration and expression through music.
Name: Ben (Full name will be provided upon registration)
Age: 40's
Gender: male
I have attended the following schools earning the following degrees: - Dartington College of Arts - BA (with honours) Music (Performance)
Originally from the UK and now residing in Vancouver, I am a woodwind specialist with expertise in saxophone, flute, and clarinet. I earned my B.A. with honors in Music (Performance) from Dartington College of Arts in Devon, UK. After completing my degree, I made my way to London, where I swiftly became a sought-after musician, performing and recording with various groups and genres, ranging from Big Bands to small jazz ensembles, Latin and World Music Groups, Pit Orchestras, Pop Bands, and Classical Ensembles. Since relocating to Vancouver, Canada, I have made a significant impact on the local music scene. My versatility as a freelance musician has led to a high demand for my skills. I have also taken the reins of my own combos and gained recognition as an esteemed educator. Additionally, I have been privileged to adjudicate at well-known music festivals nationwide. Throughout my career, music has taken me on incredible journeys around the world, from Scandinavia and Russia to Canada and the Caribbean. I have had the honor of performing at prestigious venues such as The Barbican, Royal Festival Hall, Royal Albert Hall in London, the 606 Club, O’Douls Restaurant and Bar in Vancouver, and Cory Weeds' The Cellar Jazz Club. Moreover, I have been featured at the TD Vancouver International Jazz Festival. With a wealth of experience under my belt, I am passionate about sharing the joy of music in my lessons. My approach is tailored to meet your specific needs, and I'm excited to bring my love for music into our musical journey together.
English
Rates and Studio Policies
Registration Fee: $25.00 (One-time lifetime registration fee may be used by all family members)
Rates for instruction:
30 minute private lesson: $39.00
45 minute private lesson: $49.00
60 minute private lesson: $59.00
Travel charge: additional $15.00 per visit (for lessons in a client's home as opposed to my studio)
1. Cancellation Policy
Lessons not cancelled or rescheduled with at least 24 hours notice are billable to the client and payable to the teacher. This does not of course apply to travel fees unless the notice is effectively given at the door and the teacher has travelled to the location.
2. Cessation (quitting) Policy
A client must provide a 2 lesson notice period to stop lessons. So a weekly student needs to give 2 weeks of notice, a biweekly student works out to 3 weeks notice and a twice weekly student works out to a week of notice.
3. Illness Policy
Lessons cancelled due to illness or extraordinary circumstances with less than 24 hours notice remain billable to the client and payable to the teacher.
BAH teachers are encouraged to offer a make-up lesson at a future date in the interest of client relations and general goodwill. This only makes sense as teaching a student with the flu for example, will ruin the rest of your week's employment.
No more than 2 lessons may be made up due to illness within a 60 day period.
4. Rescheduling Policy
Any lesson can be cancelled or rescheduled with at least 24 hours notice.
Summer Vacation and Extended Absence Policy
Clients may schedule longer absences for trips etc. 24 hours notice is required.
It is normal and typical for students and about 20% of our teachers to schedule a break in the summer. We do not enforce a notice period (see cessation of lessons) at the end of a long summer break.
5. Evaluation Period
There are no free trial lessons with Beethoven at Home but we do offer a 2 lesson evaluation period where it is easy to try out a teacher. There are no free lessons during the evaluation period and clients may choose to discontinue the lessons at any time by providing the required 24 hours notice. After the student's 3rd lesson the required 2 lesson notice period will apply (see cessation of lessons above).
Lessons in your home
Ben is available to teach in your home if you are located in the following areas
Online lessons
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.
Ben's Studio Location
Ben offers lessons from his studio. Please note that map locations are based on the postal code of the teachers studio. address will be released to you if needed.