Benjamin Phillips
About
Ben is a composer/arranger, trombonist, bassist, and audio engineer/producer who is experienced in many genres, particularly working in "popular music," such as funk, disco, pop, rock, and indie. Ben has arranged over 100 songs for cover bands and other ensembles, and as a multi-instrumentalist with a composition degree, he brings a unique perspective and expertise to arranging, composition, and theory lessons.
Ben is also a professional trombonist and electric bassist, and is able to teach instrumental lessons focusing on "popular music," jazz, classical music, and fundamentals.
In addition to his work as a musician, Ben is also an accomplished audio engineer. Since graduating from the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire, Ben has worked as an audio engineer in both full time and part time capacities, but is now only "gigging" as a freelance musician and audio engineer.
Ben has been a core member of award-winning cover band Uncommon Denominator since their inception in 2018, working as an arranger, sound designer, trombone player (2018-2013), and bass player (2024).
Teaching Style
Ben does not believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to teaching, and tailors lessons to an individuals needs and interests. Ben works with students to foster creativity and enjoyment through music.
Curriculum
Trombone: Melodious Etudes - Rochut/Raph, 20 Minute Warm-Up - Michael Davis, Flow Studies - David Vining, Lip Slur Melodies - Brad Edwards, Phrasing Studies - Cimera, Method of Jazz Trombone Improvisation - Kai Winding, scales (major, minor, modes, etc.)
Bass: New Method for the Double Bass - F. Simandl (even for electric bass, great scale passages), scales (major, minor, modes, etc.), sheet music and tabs (combination), fundamentals alongside songs the student enjoys
Credentials & Affiliations
Education
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
Bachelor of Music - Music Composition
Certificate - Recording Arts
Class of 2020
Music and Performance Experience
Uncommon Denominator:
Founding member, trombone (2018-2023), bass (2024), arranger, and audio engineer
Won multiple awards in the Volume One Best Of Reader Poll
#1 Best Cover Band (2020-2024), #1 Best New Band (2021), #1 Best Overall Band (2024), and more
Performed in front of audiences up to 4,000 people
Opened for Bernie Sanders (2022)
Composed and arranged music on commission
Audio Work Experience
Freelance Music Producer, Studio & Live Audio Engineer
May 2020 - Present
Record and mix songs using analog and digital recording equipment, Pro Tools, and Logic Pro
Operate FOH and Monitor audio during concerts
Produce music for artists
Design audio systems (PA, IEM rigs, etc.) for bands, venues, and schools
Lead Audio Technician
Pablo Center at the Confluence, Eau Claire, WI
August 2021 - May 2024
Entertainment + Technology Specialist
The Oxbow Hotel and The Lakely, Eau Claire, WI
May 2021 - September 2022
Production Technician; Training Coordinator
UW - Eau Claire Event Production Crew
September 2016 - May 2020
Mentored and training crew members on concert audio technology and audio concepts
Created training curriculum and wrote the new employee manual