About

“Ben has been instructing my 2 kids (now aged 11 and 9) in-home for at least 5 years. We started off with piano for the first few years but then switched to a combination of piano and acoustic guitar (half a session dedicated to each instrument). He is patient, kind, and highly knowledgeable. I clearly see the upward trajectory in my kids' musical capabilities. One of my kids can be difficult to deal with, especially when he is tired, but Ben would mold his approach to the lesson on the spot to keep my kid engaged (e.g., instead of continuing the lesson on the actual piano, he'd switch to a fun music-oriented game).” -Kamal, parent

“I hadn't played a musical instrument since elementary school when I started Ukulele lessons with Ben. Ben started from the beginning, answered all my questions along the way, and built upon that information in each lesson. It wasn't in a didactic way, but in a way that was really customized to fit my Ukulele lesson goals. Ben's teaching style is very flexible also. I had some Ukulele lesson books I had been gifted and we worked from those. I didn't feel that I had to buy a bunch of additional equipment, books, etc.I recommend Ben as a music teacher. He is understanding, encouraging, and inspirational. I am looking forward to continuing lessons with Ben and JC Instrumental.” -Lauren, adult student

“Ben has been working with our daughter since January 2019, when she turned 6 1/2. He arrives at our home on time each week and he works with her at an age appropriate level. We appreciate that he recognizes the effort she puts into the weeks when she practices often and he gently makes her aware when she hasn't practiced enough. He always speaks with her in a kind way and with us in a collaborative manner. We all want her to enjoy her piano experience, and we are thankful to have found Ben just a few blocks away from our home.” -Pam, parent

"I've been taking piano lessons with Ben for about 6 weeks now. It's really convenient for me, since I can meet at his place or he can come to mine. I'm an adult beginner, with really zero piano experience prior to starting lessons. Years ago I played trumpet for about 5 years, so I did have some early experience reading music. I told Ben to treat me like a true beginner. He's been very patient, but he challenges me. I think my success will ultimately be up to me -- how much am I willing to practice, and to study? So far the experience working with Ben has been great. It's fun and challenging, and I'm finding myself improving every week. I've even started to figure out some chords and songs on my own!” -Adam, adult student

“Ben was a great first music teacher for my daughter. He taught her the basics of beat and rhythm, proper piano technique and practice methods, all within her young abilities (she started with him around 4 1/2 years old). He was also extremely patient but firm when she got wiggly and tired. He was also always on time and easy to work with.” -Becky, parent

”Fantastic, patient and kind ukelele instructor. I recommend Ben without reservation. Thanks Ben!” -Aenna, adult student

”Ben has character attributes one would like to find in a teacher, knowledge, patience and presence! Looking forward to our next lesson. Thanks Ben!” -Sandra, adult student

”I'm a new learner in guitar, I barely read notes. Ben is very patient on me. The learning process is dense but smooth. Ben let me feel I can achieve my goal in near future. Thanks!” -Peng, adult student

”I found Ben a little over 1.5 years ago through a recommendation in parent’s FB group and took my then 9 and 11 year old sons to a try-out class. One wanted to learn playing a guitar, another - piano. My boys never took a music class before and didn’t know what to expect. But they loved the first classes and we ended up staying. After not even 12 months of once-a-week classes, my older one, who was learning piano, participated in school talent show and won a “Solo act runner-upper”! Both of my boys love Ben and think that he is “cool, funny, and enthusiastic”. My husband usually takes the boys to the classes and has only good things to say about the teacher. As to me, I manage package subscriptions and scheduling. Ben has always been accommodating and nice. Both boys are still taking his classes once a week. Highly recommend.” -Ale, parent

”We leaned on Ben heavily starting in COVID for piano lessons for our home-bound first grader. Ben was patient and engaging — even over zoom — and was able to instill in our son the basic building blocks for reading and playing music. Our son’s love of music blossomed as a result of those lessons — and we were ever so grateful for the flexibility and innovation in his willingness to teach on that platform. Highly recommend JC Instrumental.” -Amanda, parent

”My son took lessons with Mr. Ben at three years of age. Mr. Ben was incredibly patient (he has a daughter about that age, so he totally gets young kids), and my son enjoyed it. Highly recommend! He's a local dad in the Heights which is a plus.” -Natali, parent

”Ben taught my kids for several years. My kids were squirrelly and distractable - but Ben was amazing! Calm, responsive. And he did house calls for a bit extra! (A real life saver for us when we had another baby). Highly recommended!” -Lindsey, parent.

”Recent Student Here! I participated during the 2022-2023 School Year, during the Summer, and honestly, it was one of the most life changing experience. This definitely could be deemed as an exaggeration, but these small classes during the summer not only impacted my growth as an artist but also my confidence as a student and performer. Giving me a sense of experience and joy! So please do check it out!” -Pari, teen student

”Highly recommend! Wonderful place to learn piano! My young kids are always happy to go to practice. Thank you!” -Jeanette, parent

”My daughters have taken piano, uke and guitar lessons from Ben! He is easy to work with and with busy schedules was really nice to find a local instructor who teaches multiple instruments.” -Marybeth, parent

”Been taking bass lessons from Ben for about a year and a half. Great environment! He's super knowledgeable and helpful. Definitely recommended!” -Andy, adult student

”Very collaborative and friendly lessons, love my time with JC Instrumental! Great resource for adult learners or kids alike.” -Zach, adult student

”Went to Ben last year to level up my playing. Great instructor and very patient.” -Tanvir, adult student

”Had an awesome experience working with Sofia, who is super talented and knowledgeable and a great teacher! Would highly recommend!” -Pip, adult student

”Ben is the best!” -Cameron, adult student