Hailed for his “immense chops, musicality and talent,” Ben began his guitar studies at the age of five with Maxine Parker and later continued with Lyster Bass. In his early years, Ben participated in the annual Georgia Music Teacher’s Association Convention, where he was selected 7 times as an Outstanding Performer and was chosen to perform at numerous concert hall venues, including Spivey Hall in Atlanta. After winning his high school’s talent show in 2007 with a performance on the Spanish guitar, Ben went on to study with the legendary Professor John Sutherland at The University of Georgia. He maintains an active guitar schedule, having participated twice in the Mannes Guitar Seminar in New York City, The East Carolina University Summer Guitar Workshop, North Carolina School of the Arts Summer Guitar Program, as well as the Columbus State Guitar Symposium.
Previously an accomplished French Horn player, Ben was 1st chair in the Georgia GMEA All-State band in 2005 (out of 64 auditionees) and was a member of prestigious youth music groups including the Atlanta Youth Wind Symphony (2005-2006) and the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra (2006-2007). Through his orchestral experience via the horn and his lifelong guitar passion, Ben has learned first-hand that “the guitar is a miniature orchestra in itself,” a quote attributed to Beethoven.
His studies include numerous master classes with Denis Azabagic, Michael Lorimer, Adam Holzman, Michael Newman, and Andrew Zohn. His repertoire includes a diverse mix of genres, including Spanish, Classical, Latin American, and popular genres.
Ben has taught students of all levels and is an in-demand musician throughout Atlanta, performing at various upscale restaurants, weddings and other engagements.
Outside of the guitar, Ben enjoys fitness, traveling, and gardening. He is a certified public accountant and a high Class A chess player.
