Ben In The Spotlight With The Pianist Jon Schmidt

In the Spring of 2005, Ben went to a UVSC concert of Jon Schmidt. Jon Schmidt the piano composer, who is known for playing with his elbows, upside down and doing back flips during his concerts. He has a very unique range of style in his songs that can range from the classical composers of Beethoven or Chopin and then suddenly switch to Jerry Lewis or Billy Joel in one song.

About halfway through the concert, as is Jon's custom,  he requested that he needed a volunteer to come help him play some basic Jazz chords on the piano. Ben jumped at the chance and was selected from the group. He asked his new volunteer what his name was... "Ben.. I mean Ben'Jamin!" Jon yelled it out for the audience to hear. They loved it. Then he explained that he was going to improve a song to the chords that Ben played on the piano. 

Ben felt more comfortable being on the stage than sitting in the audience watching. Jon Schmidt  began livening up his playing as he stood up and played. Ben then followed his lead. In the end they got a standing ovation. Jon Schmidt then half-jokingly remarked, how he didn't expect that when he chose a volunteer that they would show him up & out perform him. 

 

At the end of the concert Jon tried to play his guts out with a little Jerry Lewis style and some piano slides and fancy chord or two. At the very end of his song he pulled the mic close to him and said, "that's for you Ben'Jamin!" as if to one up Ben. The audience loved it! 

Ben loved talking to people after the show and how they enjoyed his playing and sharing their different stories about music and piano lessons. Ben's friend then whispered to him, "see you are famous."  Of course what Ben enjoys more than anything else, is making new friends and sharing his passion and excitement for music. 

Ben's Biggest Fans

I would love to say that I am Ben's biggest fan, but the truth is it is really our little girl. While I was pregnant with her, Ben would play soothing piano songs for me to relax and she defiantly had a reaction to his songs. Her love for his music has only intensified. As soon as she hears her daddy open the cover to his piano she comes running with delight to hop on his lap and play duets (Push random keys and buttons) to add to his beautiful songs. She loves music so much she begins tapping her feet or moving her hips when she hears his songs and falls asleep each night to piano music. Ben has defiantly enriched our home through his talent and taught our daughter to appreciate all kinds of music.

What has amazed me over the years of watching Ben play many different pianos, is that I have come to realize that he can make any piano sound like it is a grand piano no mater if it has broken keys or is out of tune. When Ben moved out to California he brought with him an old Roland piano that had some keys that were a bit out of tune and if hit would sound two times louder than normal. When Ben played I never noticed unless he pointed out the keys to me. Thanks to his wonderful grandmother Anadel, he now has a new beautiful piano that adds so much joy to his composing. 

Benjamin's Musical Background And Flair For Culture

Benjamin began learning the piano at 8 years of age and continued piano lessons until he was 18. He is also trained to play the organ and has been playing for many congregations in church for over 4 years.  He loved playing for the children in Primary and enjoyed livening up those primary songs with extra notes and flair to keep the children on the edge of their chairs excited to sing.

Ben is the eldest of 9 children. The last 4 of his brothers and sisters have been adopted into his family from China. With Grandparents from Italy and a mother-in-law who is British I think that Ben has learned to love and embrace his love of different cultures in his life through music. You can hear his own interpretation of these wonderful cultures in the songs I posted today from Dublin's Shores to The Great Wall. Enjoy!

Thank You For Supporting Ben On This Musical Journey

We want to thank you for all the kind words of support you have all given Ben and I on this project so far. I think he is a bit overwhelmed just by the numbers of those who have looked at his blog in the last two days since we started this. I just posted a new favorite called North Star that is so beautiful. These songs take me back to when we were first dating and Ben made me a CD of some of his songs to start my day before I went to work. These melodies still play in my head now and lift my spirit. My mother loved his CD so much she asked to purchase a copy to send to a friend all the way in Wales. We hope that each of you will continue to follow us on this musical journey and spread Ben's love and passion for music. Thank you and stay tuned for more!

Ben's Music Studio Back In The Day

When I first met Benjamin he was living in a beautiful town house up in the Oakland hills of California. Half of his bedroom was sound equipment and the other was his Single sized bed and a dresser. Then there was his other piano in the living room. It was obvious to me instantly that music was a LARGE part of who he was. Ben attended Ex'pressions College in Everyville, CA for a Sound Arts Degree. He has made an incredible sacrifice for our family when he gave up his music studio den to make room for our baby girl when we were first married. I always hoped that I could one day give him back his studio again. He fills our home with such beautiful music and we look forward to sharing his music with all of you! I just need to go through the hundreds of downloaded songs he has improved on his computer and share my favorites with all of you now, not an easy task but it is time for us to share them. 

For The Love Of Music

I felt it was time that the world hear the talents of my dear husband Benjamin. With his permission I have started this blog to share his amazing talent in composing and playing the piano in many different styles. Stay tuned for more music soon and then  hopefully a CD that will be available to purchase on Amazon. We are so proud of him as a wonderful husband, father of one darling girl and his achievements in life so far!