Benjamin Whittier

Ben Whittier is a saxophonist with a profound interest in performing, teaching, improvising, and composing diverse music and sounds. Since completing his Doctorate of Music degree from the University of Alberta in 2022, Ben has been actively performing and teaching music in the vibrant Edmonton community and at Edmonton universities. In addition to teaching and performing, Ben works passionately with New Music Edmonton and the Edmonton International Jazz Festival to present and support a variety of artists to audiences throughout Edmonton.

Teaching Quote/Philosophy: 

Ben enjoys working with students of all ability levels. He helps students develop and reach goals for their musical journey, addressing challenges and rewarding success along the way. He finds joy in helping students better understand the saxophone so that playing the instrument can feel "easy" and they can focus on the musicality of each piece. When working with Ben, students find growth and enjoyment in their musical journey. 

 

Lesson Description: 

Ben offers lessons in person downtown Edmonton at the Alberta College Campus, weekday afternoons and evenings for ages 10+, including adults learning the instrument for the first time. He teaches classical, experimental, jazz, and popular styles for beginner to advanced levels.

Request lessons with Ben to discuss lesson availability and rates. 

 

Education and Certification: 

Doctor of Music in Saxophone Performance, University of Alberta (2022) 
Master of Music in Saxophone Performance, University of Northern Colorado (2016) 
Bachelor of Music in Saxophone Performance with a minor in Music Theory, University of the Pacific (2014)

 

Professional Associations and Memberships: 

Chamber Music Collaborative Recital with Heather McGuire: Styles and Tonalities (2023) 
Doctor of Music Final Solo Recital: Silence for a Disturbed Yell (2022) 
University of Alberta Symphonic Orchestra: Prokofiev Lieutenant Kije (2022) 
Doctor of Music Lecture Solo Recital: Non-idiomatic Improvisation (2021) 
New Music Edmonton Summer Solstice Series: 3rd Creature: Collaboration with Dancer Kate Stashko (2021) 
University of Alberta Symphonic Orchestra: Rachmaninov Symphonic Dances (2018) 
Greeley Philharmonic: All George Gershwin Concert (2015)