Ben Shparber
What do you teach at Loudlands?
Piano
When did you start playing piano?
7 years old.
What's your favorite aspect of music or your instrument?
I love how many options there are, that I'm only limited by my ability, knowledge, and imagination, and all three can be expanded endlessly
Who are some of your favorite bands/musicians and why?
I love Bill Evans for his absolutely perfectly melodic jazz, I like JJ Grey and Mofro for their solid rock sound, and I like Postmodern Jukebox for their creative takes on pop music.
What are some of your current and/or past music projects?
I am currently in a jazz/funk/soul duo called Teresa and Ben, doing original twists on popular music, as well a rock/folk/country duo called Duo Drink Minimum.
How would you describe your music and playing style?
I play everything and love everything, and I am always looking for new inspirations. I am currently obsessed with Jazz and a little bit of Gospel, but have a deep love for Classical as that is my foundation (I took 12 years of classical piano), and generally want to know and play everything.
Can you please describe your gear of choice?
The original 88-key acoustic piano, for it's incomparable feel and sensitivity.
Any general advice you'd like to give to beginner musicians or someone looking to get started?
It takes work to be able to transform your undisciplined, disobedient fingers into useful tools at the end of your hands, but stick with it and they'll only get better and better. It's very frustrating, especially as an adult, to know what you want to do but have fingers that don't do what you want, but if you just keep at it every day and practice well and with intention to improve your technique it'll happen faster than you think.
Aside from playing/making music, what are some of your other interests and hobbies?
I like to cook, hike, and play videogames.
If you were battling a physically identical but evil android version of yourself on top of a skyscraper during a thunderstorm and someone miraculously intervened, how would they know which one was the real you?
It's a 50/50 chance, my piano skills are so good I've been called a machine.
