TEACHING

TEACHING ARTIST -

As a Teaching Artist at Preservation Hall, Benny taught weekly drum lessons to incarcerated youth at Rivarde Detention Center in Harvey, Louisiana. He also led masterclasses for touring school ensembles at Preservation Hall. While in college, Benny taught drum classes at the Madison, CA migrant center. Also while in college, he taught drums and worked as a community organizer with the amazing youth at Kids Rethink New Orleans Schools.

Currently, Benny spends multiple weeks a year in New Orleans as a Teaching Artist with The Jazz at Lincoln Center, Jazz in Schools program, bringing world class New Orleans jazz and musical history education to New Orleans public school youth. Benny is currently on the teaching faculty every summer at the Teagarden Jazz Camp in the Sierra Nevada foothills of California. Benny would like to continue creating educational opportunities for youth to learn about and fall in love with jazz as well as create therapeutic interventions using music.

PRIVATE LESSONS

Benny teaches private drum lessons in person and using Skype/Zoom/What’s Ap. He specializes in teaching techinique, drum set coordination, and musical applications in a range of styles. His teaching approach aims to support students in their musical journeys whether they are 5-or 95 years old. Contact him directly for more information. Benny is comfortable teaching beginner and intermediate players as well as advanced players who are interested in learning to play jazz styles that Benny specializes in including Ragtime, 1920’s and 30’s jazz, New Orleans Revival Style etc…

Benny is currently teaching lessons in person at Secret Studios San Francisco as well on occasion in the Presidio and at peoples private homes.