Ben Rodriguez - Cello, Piano
Cellist Ben Rodriguez is currently pursuing his Master of Music degree at the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University with Norman Fischer. In the summer of 2023, he could be seen performing as a Fellow of Madeline Island Chamber Music, while coaching and teaching dozens of students of his own at the Community Music School of Oberlin Conservatory and the Community School of the Arts at Northern Illinois University.
During his time with Dmitry Kouzov at Oberlin, Ben also studied pedagogy with Louise Zeitlin and composition with Michael Frazier, premiering several of his own works, including one for Pierrot ensemble. Ben has served as principal cello of Oberlin Orchestra for works such as Rossini’s Overture to William Tell and Ginastera’s Variaciones Concertantes, and has also premiered a long list as a member of Oberlin Contemporary Music Ensemble and Oberlin Orchestra, including Iván Enrique Rodríguez’s A Metaphor for Power, which he last performed in Carnegie Hall.
Ben is thrilled to continue his career and studies in Houston!
Mr. Ben is at the studios on Sundays.
Why Choose AMA?
At the American Music Academy, we believe that everyone should experience the joy of making music. Our goal is to provide an environment of education that is welcoming to all ages. Coming from generations of musicians, founders Wyatt and Laura Coleman have hand selected a team of professional and passionate musicians to bring quality music education to Houstonians. Our faculty has instrument-specific degrees from acclaimed universities all around the country. Our teachers tailor their music lessons to each student based on their individual goals. We offer the most comprehensive lessons in Houston, which include theory, ear training, sight reading technique, performance skills, and repertoire. Our brand new, state-of-the-art facilities located in Meyerland include a comfortable lounge with free Wi-Fi, water, magazines, and toys for children to play with as they wait for their lesson to begin. Spacious studio rooms are equipped with quality upright pianos, music stands, and mirrors to monitor progress. The American Music Academy takes pride in supplying our students with the best upright pianos to practice their modern or classical repertoire. Students will be able to use the full capabilities of a piano including dynamics, pedaling, musical phrasing, and dramatic interpretation. Students will be able to participate in seasonal recitals at one of Houston’s many venues. Recitals, included in their tuition, display each student’s personal achievements in their instrument. Our students have the option to perform piano, guitar, violin, viola, voice/singing, cello, and drums!