1719 S. Park St., Kalamazoo MI, 49001
Instruments:Ear Training, Music Business, Other, Other, Theory, Trumpet
Styles:Classical, Jazz, Blues, Kids, Other
Levels:Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
Experience:10 years
Rate:$0 / hr
Personal Statement
My name is Benje and I’d be honored to help you learn about music/trumpet – no matter if you are a beginner or a professional player. I have an Bachelors in Music Education & Jazz Studies (Western Michigan University) and a Masters in Music in Jazz Trumpet (Manhattan School of Music). I have professional performing and recording experience (throughout the midwest and New York City) and have taught all levels/ages of students.
My teaching approach is focused toward the individual student. Every student is unique and that their musical path will be different than any other student that has come before (or after). I take my students seriously and care about them very much. I feel extremely fortunate to be able to impart the musical experience and knowledge that I’ve been blessed to have.
I feel very strongly about ensuring all students are able to receive lessons regardless of their financial ability… please talk to me about the possibility of scholarship if you feel that this applies to you.
I’d love to hear from you and discuss your personal questions, situation and interest in trumpet/music.
Education / Training
I have been very fortunate to have had some pretty unique experiences musically thus far:
Education:
Western Michigan University – BM Music Education/Jazz Studies
Manhattan School of Music (NYC) – MM Jazz Trumpet
Programs:
Henry Mancini Institute (2006) – Los Angeles, CA
Jazz Aspen Snowmass (2007) – Snowmass, CO
Competitions:
National Trumpet Competition (Student Finalist) – 2007
Professional Performance Experience:
Doc Severinsen Big Band (US Tour) – 2007
Jose Limon Dance Company (NYC) – 2010
Battle Creek Symphony Soloist – 2008
Freelance Musician – New York City/Midwest
Four Finger Five (band) – 2006-2008
WMU Gold Company – 2002-2006
Instructional Experience:
Western Seminar High School Music Camp (2011) – Instructor
Dowagiac High School Jazz Festival (2010) – Adjudicator
Concordia University, Nebraska (2009-2011) – Guest Instructor/Artist
Lake Michigan College (2007-2008) – Trumpet Instructor/Jazz Band Director
Forest Hills Central Middle School (2007-2008) – Band Director (long term substitute)
Private Trumpet Instructor (2001)
Selected Discography/Recording:
Institute Big Band – Nominated for two GRAMMY awards
The Gwen Project (2010) – Producer, Director, Co-Composer
C3M (2009) – Concordia University, Nebraska
Rhythm Spirit (Seabreeze Records – 2009) – Western Michigan University Advanced Combo
30 (2008) – Gold Company
Enormous Pocket (Terrestrial Records – 2007) – Four Finger Five; JAMMIE Award Winner, “Local Jazz Debut”
Four Finger Five (Terrestrial Records – 2007) – Four Finger Five
Evolution (Concord Records – 2006) – Henry Mancini
Absolute Integrity (2006) – Gold Company (musican, arranger)
Boogaloo Land (Seabreeze Records – 2005) – Western Jazz Orchestra
Previous Instructors:
Laurie Frink
Scott Wendholt
Stephen Jones
Scott Thornburg
Scott Cowan
Video
It Is What It Is (Benje Daneman) Ashley Gonzalez Daneman St. John the Divine
Smokers’ Parade by The Ben Geyer Sextet