Born and raised in Princeton Junction, New Jersey, Ben started his musical career as a member of Music Together, a music program for preschoolers.  Although Ben’s mother hoped that her growing son would study piano, Ben refused to take lessons; he preferred louder, more obnoxious instruments. In fifth grade concert band, Ben picked up drumsticks and he has stuck with them ever since.

Ben went on to study both classical and jazz percussion with spectacular teachers – such as Marc Bencivengo, Bill Trigg, and Gerry Hemingway – who encouraged him to learn about many genres of music, from jazz to classical to rock. Ben was also fortunate enough to play in several different ensembles (jazz bands, orchestras, percussion ensembles, etc.); attend music programs such as NJPAC Jazz for Teens, New Jersey Governor’s School of the Arts, and the Philadelphia Young Artists Orchestra; and sing in his high school’s choir and a cappella group.

In the fall of 2007, Ben left the east coast to study at the University of Southern California as a major in jazz studies. He has had a wonderful experience playing music at USC with incredibly talented peers; Ben has drummed for many groups and artists including Sock Oom POW, The Right Guys, Crescendo Vocal Jazz Ensemble, Saved By Grace Gospel Choir, the Harry Mac Band, Kenton Chen, Cassie Peterson, and most recently, Derik Nelson Band. He has also had the good fortune of studying under drum legends Roy McCurdy, Aaron Serfaty, and Peter Erskine. Ben recently decided to switch majors – he is now studying International Relations with a minor in Critical Approaches to Leadership – but he loves music all the same, if not more.

Ben enjoys a variety of music, but his true passion lies in soul, funk, and R&B. He aspires to be a good person, a caring friend, and a working musician; he just wants to be happy is all!  

When Ben isn’t playing music, he can be found undercooking food, eating said undercooked food, running, swimming, hanging, reading, watching movies, playing with kids, learning, laughing, and loving.  Although many different people inspire Ben every day, some of his musical influences include his mom, David Garibaldi, Steve Jordan, Russ Ferrante, Gerry Hemingway, Steve Gadd, Louis Cole, John Clayton, Wayne Simmons, Stevie Wonder, Ian Jacyszyn, Rex Surany, and Alex King.  Ben is eternally grateful for a loving and supportive family, enthusiastic teachers, caring friends, and Jamba Juice.