Ben - Teacher #2183

Instruments:
- Clarinet
- Flute
- Saxophone

Services:
- Ear Training
- Harmony
- Jazz Improvation
- Music Theory (Beginner-Intermediate)
- RCM

Languages:
- English

Teaching Philosophy

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.

Musical Education

I have attended the following schools earning the following degrees:

- Dartington College of Arts - BA (with honours) Music (Performance)

Special Skills and Training

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.

Rates

30 Minutes: $39.00
45 Minutes: $49.00
60 Minutes: $59.00

There is a one-time registration fee of 25 $ charged with the first lessons. All Taxes are included in prices, if applicable

NOTE: Your Credit card will be charged ONLY when the first lesson is set up and confirmed with the teacher

Policies


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).