Hello, I'm Ben!
I'm a guitarist with 30 years of playing and teaching experience. I've taught hundreds of people over the years, from complete beginners to semi-professionals. Wherever you are on your guitar journey, I can help you get to the next stage and achieve your goals.
About Ben
Growing up in North Carolina, I've immersed myself in music. When I was a kid I was a big fan of Michael Jackson, or 'Jackson!' as I called him. In elementary school I played clarinet, but as I got to high school I switched to guitar to avoid the marching band. I fell in love. From then on it was guitar all the time! I practiced for hours at a time, trying to get my guitar to sound like Jimmy Hendrix or Stevie Ray Vaughn.
From jazz band in high school to playing for thousands of people at Jazz at Lincoln Center's 'Midsummer Night's Swing', I'm grateful to have had so much music in my life.
I am a graduate of Appalachian State and NC Central University in Durham, NC where I earned a Master of Music graduate degree.
Teaching & Performing
Guitar Instructor
2004 - Present
2013 - 2025 guitar instructor at Russell Lacey Music Durham, NC
2013 - 2025 Band rehearser at Russell Lacey Music, Durham, NC
2024 - 2025 Adjunct guitar instructor at Elon University, NC
Performance history
2013 - Present Guitarist, Mint Julep Jazz Band
2019 - 2025 Guitarist/vocalist The Onyx Club Boys
Instructional Approach
What do you want to play?
Each student has unique musical goals. I will help you identify yours and craft a learning plan to get you where you want to be.
I help students become well rounded musicians: ear training, music theory, reading and writing music.