From a young age, Ben nurtured a fascination with storytelling. Video games, fantasy novels, comic books, sci-fi, anime, folklore, world mythology, his Granny, all of these and more reinforced in the young lad the understanding that the most powerful elements in his life were the ones that held a story.

Arriving late on the musical scene, Ben began playing the guitar (his spirit animal,) at the age of 25, where he immediately fell deeply in love with music and the power it held to connect, distract, and empower. His vow from then on, was to never pursue any occupation where music wasn't central to the work. Finding fulfillment in balancing the life of a performer, composer, and music educator/researcher, music and storytelling have provided for Ben both spiritually and financially ever since.

Variety is the spice of Ben's musical life, and the seasoning rack has been overflowing! He has arranged music for school-age big bands and combos, founded and worked for music programs delivering access to underprivileged youth, traveled across the United States delivering talks at universities about gender issues in Jazz, opened for and performed with hundreds of artists, including Grammy winners Lady Gaga, John Legend, Ozomatli, Poncho Sanchez, and Oscar Hernandez, and continues to be an active performer and teacher in the Los Angeles area. His students have also done great work, performing with Chaka Kahn, Journey, Beyonce, Coldplay, Jennifer Hudson, jazz legend Bob Mintzer, hip hop artist Big Sean, and even playing the lead role in the Disney movie "Coco." 

Ben holds Bachelors Degrees in Philosophy and Jazz Studies from Cal State, Los Angeles, a Master's in Music Education from the Longy School of Music, and is currently pursuing his Doctorate in Educational Leadership at Cal State Los Angeles through the Carnegie Foundation.