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About Benjamin D. E.
Ben runs fun and engaging sessions which are centred around the needs of the individual. His lessons are tailored to ensure that each student is being challenged whilst exploring areas that interest them, whether that be working towards grades or learning their favourite songs. Ben aims to provide a safe, encouraging and inspiring space where students feel free to experiment and make mistakes. He specialises in jazz, rock, pop, funk, soul and disco.
To complement his teaching, Ben also works with his students to create engaging and achievable practice routines which enable to his students to get the most out of the time in-between their lessons. He is also very happy to give advice on purchasing and caring for instruments and gear.
The first lesson will be an opportunity for the student and Ben to get to know each other, chatting about their instrumental and music experience, passions, interests and favourite genres. It is also an opportunity for Ben to understand the student’s goals, whether that be to engage with the bass as a hobby or career. This enables him to tailor the lessons moving forward to ensure that they are getting the most out of the sessions. For a complete beginner Ben would spend the rest of the lesson exploring the instrument and getting the student started on a fun and achievable tune. For more experienced students, he would ask them to bring some songs they had been working on so that he could assess their current abilities and get to know their current playing style.
Weekly, 30-minute sessions would be recommended for students under the age of 13, whilst those above the age of 13 would benefit from the full hour. Fortnightly lessons are also possible on request. Ben is happy to travel up to 5km for a lesson, or the student is welcome to come to his house where he has a music studio with amps and guitars.
Ben has taught students from ages 7 to 58, ranging from beginner to grade 8 level. Due to an accident in 2015 where he sustained a head injury and lost hearing in his left ear, he has had to adapt his approach and attitude to music. As a result of this, he feels very confident in adapting his lessons to encouraging students with disabilities or challenges in their learning. Ben only offers in person teaching as he believes that there is far more to be gained from the student and teacher being in the same space.
Ben has played bass for over 14 years. He studied music at the University of Sheffield and since then has been working as a session bassist, playing and recording with numerous artists as well as his own jazz trio and funk collective. Ben has played at venues such as Tramlines, Splendour, Jazz at the Lescar, BBC Introducing and was set to play Glastonbury prior to COVID-19. He has also played around the country as part of award-winning theatre productions and with numerous touring bands.
Ben is hugely passionate about music and his instrument and feels very strongly about the importance of encouraging people of all ages and backgrounds to access and enjoy the art form. As a result, he is always excited to teach new students and to share his love of music and learning with them.