Benjamin Smeall offers private instruction in violin, viola, fiddle, cello, string bass, guitar, voice, drums, mandolin, harp, harmonica and piano. He has been teaching since 1983, in school and college settings as well as in the private studio. He holds a Ph.D in Music Education from the University of South Carolina, and a Bachelor of Music from Berklee College of Music. Other teaching credentials are Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and American Suzuki Institute certification. He has earned a diploma in Adaptive Education from St. Norbert College. He has studied with violinist-violist Frits de Jonge, concertmaster of the South Carolina Philharmonic Orchestra, and fiddlers Matt Glaser and Randy Sabien.
Lessons are purchased with a progressive discount for more lessons purchased at once, to as low as $13.50 / 1/2 hr. lesson. You may arrange for an interview in the studio if you wish to see his facility how his instruction can benefit you and your children.
Dr. Smeall’s teaching philosophy is that all people are inherently musical. Therefore the study of music brings benefits that extend past the purely musical into all areas of a happy life.
Teaching methods employed are traditional studio methods, Suzuki, and jazz education. Dr. Smeall teaches students to play by ear, to be good music readers, and also by rote. He is happy teaching any style of music, and includes instruction in composition, arranging, and improvisation.
