As an educator:
Benjamin specializes in teaching classically-trained string players to speak the language of jazz — helping violinists, violists, and cellists build real improvisational fluency, groove-based technique, and jazz vocabulary, whether they're preparing for college jazz programs, exploring improvisation as working freelancers, or picking it up for the pure joy of a new musical voice.
He currently teaches jazz violin, theory, ear training, improvisation, and jazz combos at Manhattan School of Music's Precollege Division. His approach draws on his own studies with John Blake Jr., Regina Carter, Christian Howes, Rob Thomas, and Sara Caswell — groove-based bowing, adapting bebop language to the violin, fingerboard fluency through his own scale methods, and crafting creative, melodic improvisations steeped in the history of jazz, with an intensive focus on music theory and harmony. His background in Klezmer, salsa, and other world music traditions also allows him to offer specialized instruction in ear-based modal improvisation and complex rhythmic phrasing.
Every lesson is individually crafted around the student's needs, goals, and personality — regardless of style, level, or instrument — with a focus on tone production, intonation, phrasing, articulation, and creative problem-solving around technical advancement, in a challenging yet positive and encouraging environment. Students are encouraged to discover their own unique voice.
His students have successfully auditioned into top university jazz programs and conservatories nationwide, including Manhattan School of Music, Peabody Conservatory, University of North Texas, Berklee College of Music, The New School, New England Conservatory, and NYU, along with wins in the National YoungArts Jazz Competition and Downbeat Student Awards.
Benjamin also teaches beginning to intermediate classical violin, viola, and piano.
Private virtual teaching rates for all lessons are as follows:
30 min lesson - $65.00
45 min lesson - $80.00
60 min lesson - $100.00
Please inquire about rates for special lesson packages, clinics and workshops.
“When I decided that I really wanted to pursue Jazz music on the violin I was fortunate enough to meet Ben Sutin. Not only is he a great teacher and player, but he is a humble and kind human being. I’ve studied with Ben for many years and over the course of that time I have learned so much that I can actually apply to college fully confident that I can get a degree as a legitimate jazz musician even though I play the violin.”
“Ben is one of the most important jazz string educators in the field today. His students receive customized, caring attention regarding the skill set of jazz improvisation, as well as supportive pedagogy regarding their string technique. His students win national jazz competitions and are populating jazz conservatory programs...You just can’t get better than that!”
Testimonials:
“Benjamin Sutin has been one of the most influential musical figures in my life. A dependable mentor who left me inspired after every lesson, he gave me the facilities to navigate a world that sets us (violinists) up for failure. He taught me theory, language, repertoire, and more challenging things like time (management), melodic organization, and much more.”
“I was grateful to find Ben and have worked with him for over a year.Let me begin by saying he has drastically improved all areas of my playing. When I came to Ben my rhythm was something I really wanted to focus on.With his expertise and guidance,I am now confident in my rhythm and in turn, my overall confidence is soaring.In addition, Ben helped me improve all other areas of my playing as well.I am being asked to perform and I believe this is a direct a result of Ben’s teaching methods.I have had other teachers in my journey, but no one can come close to Ben’s teaching abilities.He is able to isolate a difficulty, and in a short time resolve the issue with the student. He has technics that he has developed that give fast results and make “sense” to the violin player. He always inspires me to be a better player.It is a pleasure to work with someone of Ben’s caliber and I am very grateful for our work together.Ben is truly a gifted teacher, mentor, and inspiring coach.”
“My daughter has made magnificent progress with Ben. She describes his approach as “like a doctor” he fixes all her issues. Her concept and understanding of the jazz violin vernacular has grown exponentially in a matter of a few months.”
“I am currently a first-year high school student. I have been studying jazz violin with Ben for almost two years. Ben is a very helpful, talented, and kind teacher with a detailed, systematic approach to jazz improvisation that you can apply to many tunes. Under his guidance, my confidence and improvisational ability have improved considerably as a jazz musician. Thank you so much, Ben!”