Ben

My life is all about music and creativity. I'm a proudly self-taught multi-instrumentalist and an eternal student.

EARLY CAREER
I worked in London as a session musician and touring drummer and pianist for more than 10 years with Shaw Thing Artist Management. I played with talent including Joy Crookes at much-loved places such as The Roundhouse, Abbey Road and The Edinburgh Festival. I also worked as a private tutor during this time, helping 50+ children and adults learn drums, piano and bass - many of whom got all the way to Grade 8.

TODAY
In 2022 I moved to Brighton for a new musical chapter. I now work as a composer/sound designer and creative director for award-winning artistic projects and brands including premium travel company Kuoni. I’m my happiest when I’m creating and making things happen, co-ordinating talented teams to get the job done.

I also offer a transcription service, delivering detailed scores which I create by ear. You can check out examples of my transcriptions on my YouTube channel.

Finally, I am an examiner for Rock School & Yamaha, assessing students across a range of popular instruments, and continue to teach one-to-one in-person and online.

PROJECTS & AWARDS
I am the producer of a short film titled When We Fell, featuring an original soundtrack released under my artist name Spoon. In 2021-22 it was presented at festivals worldwide, won three awards and was nominated for the Audience Award by the prestigious British Animation Awards.

I have also released a video game that music-lovers will enjoy called Keep The Music Alive, a retro 2D platform game that follows the creative journey of a composer - and features beautiful Contemporary Jazz/Classical tracks.

QUALIFICATIONS
I have a BMus in Music Performance & Production from the London Centre of Contemporary Music (LCCM) and am currently studying an MSc in Music and Sound for Film and Games at the University of Hertfordshire.

Tutoring Experience

The benefits of learning an instrument are huge. It boosts your memory, abstract reasoning skills, creativity, confidence, patience and relieves stress. Most importantly it is fun. I teach the drum kit, piano, theory and composition. I love sharing my passion with my students, supporting and empowering them to become the best they can be. I’m big on inspiring my students to continue progressing between lessons, independently, focussing on technical ability, stylistic understanding and the development of their own musical voice.

If you choose to take graded examinations, I have a strong track record of getting students high marks. I’m an examiner myself, so I know exactly how to prepare you. Grades 6-8 practical / theory give you UCAS points equivalent to A levels, and grades 5-6 are regarded as equivalent to GCSE level. It’s a great way to stand out when applying to schools and universities.

I teach children and adults 1-to-1 from my home in Brighton, at students’ homes and online. Students coming to me benefit from access to industry standard equipment and software - invaluable experience for any aspiring, modern musician. I hold an Advanced DBS Certificate and have many testimonials and references (upon request).

Previous tutoring experience:

Al Pascal Music - North London’s leading contemporary music school.

Diverse Voices Entertainment C.I.C - Creator / leader of Rhythm & Beats Workshop held at Edinburgh Primary School.

Keir Hardy Primary school - Co-creator / facilitator of Composition Workshop.

All Talents Music School.

Phoneix Tutors.

Fox Music School (volunteer).

Tutoring Approach

I love to learn and find ways to improve myself on a daily basis. I aim to instil this passion for self development in all of my students as I believe self education, the desire and motivation to improve yourself as the most useful tool to learning any skill.