Benjamin J. Cord
Benjamin J. Cord, Trumpet
Preferred student level:
I enjoy teaching students of all ages and skill levels. Yes, there are a lot of fun things to work
on with more advanced students, but I have taught students from age 5 to 65 and I enjoy having something to offer all of them.
When did you join the faculty at Sherwood?
I began teaching for Sherwood at Woods Academy in February of 2006, and began teaching at the main school the following June.
What do you want to impart to your students through your teaching?
Playing a musical instrument can teach a student so many things. I hope that my students learn to appreciate music and the role it plays in all our lives every day. Playing music is a joy like no other and any one who chooses to do it gets to experience something completely unique to any other activity in their lives. I want my students to experience the satisfaction of accomplishment, the fun of music-making, and the rewards of interacting with others through music.
Briefly describe your musical pursuits outside of Sherwood.
I am a full-time freelance musician. I perform constantly, all over the Chicago area, in many different musical settings. I have performed with Big Bands, Orchestras, small Jazz groups, Pop and cover bands, Latin bands, Hip-hop groups, Funk bands, Musical Theater and Opera pit ensembles, Chamber ensembles, and as a Classical and Jazz soloist.
What is your earliest musical experience or best musical memory?
My earliest musical experiences were hearing my father, who is also a trumpet player, performing in an Orchestra. Even as a baby, I got to hear orchestra concerts and listen to my dad play live on the radio, which was a thrill for me as a kid (it still is). It’s what sparked my interest in music at a very early age. I also got to hear him practicing at home a lot, which was very interesting to me as a kid.
Please describe one of your favorite teachers or mentors.
My dad is certainly my favorite teacher and musical mentor. He is not only a great performer, but is also a Professor of Trumpet at the world renowned Indiana University School of Music. Having a father who is an amazing performer and distinguished teacher is a unique and wonderful thing. But I’ve also had many other great teachers in my life, and it has been invaluable to learn from many different people who all have unique opinions and perspectives.
What is your favorite type of music?
I don’t have a favorite type of music. I have equal love for all kinds of music. I think it’s great to have certain things you really like, but it’s important to be open to experiencing things you’ve never heard before. There is a lot of great and interesting music out there, and I always encourage people not to limit themselves to one kind of music. I especially like Mahler Symphonies 1 and 2, the Jazz trumpet work of Freddie Hubbard, and Frank Zappa.
Are there specific methods or techniques that you use in your teaching that may be
important to share with prospective students?
I fell that each student is different and I try as much as possible to give then each what they need as individuals. The most important thing for a prospective student to know is that they will only benefit from what they are taught if they take the time to absorb the information on their own. Even a little bit of practicing can go a long way if it is done correctly. I always try to teach my students things in such a way that they will want to go home and practice them. All the student needs is a desire to do the best they can, and they will have success and enjoyment, whether working with me or any other teacher.
Preferred student level:I enjoy teaching students of all ages and skill levels. Yes, there are a lot of fun things to work
on with more advanced students, but I have taught students from age 5 to 65 and I enjoy having something to offer all of them.
When did you join the faculty at Sherwood?
I began teaching for Sherwood at Woods Academy in February of 2006, and began teaching at the main school the following June.
What do you want to impart to your students through your teaching?
Playing a musical instrument can teach a student so many things. I hope that my students learn to appreciate music and the role it plays in all our lives every day. Playing music is a joy like no other and any one who chooses to do it gets to experience something completely unique to any other activity in their lives. I want my students to experience the satisfaction of accomplishment, the fun of music-making, and the rewards of interacting with others through music.
Briefly describe your musical pursuits outside of Sherwood.
I am a full-time freelance musician. I perform constantly, all over the Chicago area, in many different musical settings. I have performed with Big Bands, Orchestras, small Jazz groups, Pop and cover bands, Latin bands, Hip-hop groups, Funk bands, Musical Theater and Opera pit ensembles, Chamber ensembles, and as a Classical and Jazz soloist.
What is your earliest musical experience or best musical memory?
My earliest musical experiences were hearing my father, who is also a trumpet player, performing in an Orchestra. Even as a baby, I got to hear orchestra concerts and listen to my dad play live on the radio, which was a thrill for me as a kid (it still is). It’s what sparked my interest in music at a very early age. I also got to hear him practicing at home a lot, which was very interesting to me as a kid.
Please describe one of your favorite teachers or mentors.
My dad is certainly my favorite teacher and musical mentor. He is not only a great performer, but is also a Professor of Trumpet at the world renowned Indiana University School of Music. Having a father who is an amazing performer and distinguished teacher is a unique and wonderful thing. But I’ve also had many other great teachers in my life, and it has been invaluable to learn from many different people who all have unique opinions and perspectives.
What is your favorite type of music?
I don’t have a favorite type of music. I have equal love for all kinds of music. I think it’s great to have certain things you really like, but it’s important to be open to experiencing things you’ve never heard before. There is a lot of great and interesting music out there, and I always encourage people not to limit themselves to one kind of music. I especially like Mahler Symphonies 1 and 2, the Jazz trumpet work of Freddie Hubbard, and Frank Zappa.
Are there specific methods or techniques that you use in your teaching that may be
important to share with prospective students?
I fell that each student is different and I try as much as possible to give then each what they need as individuals. The most important thing for a prospective student to know is that they will only benefit from what they are taught if they take the time to absorb the information on their own. Even a little bit of practicing can go a long way if it is done correctly. I always try to teach my students things in such a way that they will want to go home and practice them. All the student needs is a desire to do the best they can, and they will have success and enjoyment, whether working with me or any other teacher.