Benjamin Barnes is an award winning violinist. In 2023 Ben won the San Francisco Arts Commission's San Francisco Artist Award, a 20,000 dollar grant to produce and play a concert. Ben is a highly talented and versatile classical and jazz violinist and violist. He is a "grandstudent" of Jascha Heifetz and has studied under Heifetz' protege Sherry Kloss, renowned teacher Izzy Tinkleman, Paul Hersh, Don Ehrlich, Zaven Melikkian, Mark Sokol, Ian Swensson, and David Balakrishnan of Turtle Island String Quartet. Ben has performed with many symphony orchestras, chamber music ensembles and jazz groups. Barnes is skilled in playing and teaching both classical and jazz styles of violin and viola.
In addition to his music career, Barnes has founded two fiscally sponsored arts organizations, Culture Scholar a 501(c)(3) organization and Bencasso Art Gallery. The latter is an online store that showcases his art and the works of other talented mental illness challaned artists. Bencasso Blog and Bencasso Gallery have been praised for their quality and creativity. One time and monthly tax deductible contributions to these fiscally sponsored arts organizations can be made to https://www.culturescholar.org/donate
Barnes holds a Bachelor's and Master's degree in music from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and a multiple subjects teaching credential from San Francisco State University. His educational background, coupled with his extensive experience, makes him an ideal instructor for classical and jazz violin and viola students.
Throughout his career, Barnes has worked with renowned musicians, including Isaac Stern, Graeme Jennings, Carla Kihlstedt, Paul Hersh, Jason Newsted of Metallica, Les Claypool of Primus, Fishbone, Mr. Bungle, Dead Prez, and The Coup. He is also a successful singer-songwriter, having produced over 120 recordings available on all major streaming platforms and web-stores.
Despite facing challenges recovering from catastrophic injury, and traumatic brain injury, Barnes has persevered and achieved incredible success in his career. In 2020, a movie about his life premiered. He is also a sought-after motivational speaker, offering a message of hope and positivity that has inspired audiences worldwide.
As a violin and viola instructor, Barnes offers the knowledge and expertise gained from his education and experience, making him a valuable teacher for students of all ages and levels. As a musician, he is skilled in both classical and jazz styles, allowing him to perform in aa variety of settings, including orchestral and chamber music, jazz, rock, and bluegrass.
