My name is Ben Vasko and I am a professional musician in Orlando, FL.
I am fortunate to have played with such groups as The Boston Modern Orchestra Project, the Orlando Philharmonic, the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, the Jacksonville Symphony, the National Orchestra of Spain, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the Boston Pops.
A Variety of Styles
In addition to being classically trained, I have years of experience in commercial music and jazz. Having played with bands like the Urban Achievers Brass Band and FunkCake and for companies like Dell, Captain Morgan, the Chive, and Seaworld, I have firsthand knowledge of a music career on and off the beaten path.
Qualified Instruction
I am currently on the faculty of the University of Central Florida and have served on the faculty of the Boston University Tanglewood Institute, as well as operating a private studio of middle and high schoolers. Having taught middle school through university, I understand how to navigate a music education from beginning band to graduate school. From BUTI to the Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps, my teaching experience is as unique as every student.
Intramusical Activities
Tuba aside, my musical life remains active. My arranging covers a wide area, from working up a new etude book for tuba to the jingle of a State Farm commercial. I have taught courses in Music Technology, Brass Methods, and Musicianship/Analysis, and my current research topics include collaborative learning in collegiate like-instrument ensembles and the concept of play in chamber music.
I have a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Brass Performance from Boston University. My Master’s is from the University of Georgia, and my Bachelor’s is from the University of Texas at Austin. My primary teachers have been Jorge Avendaño, Steve Haddad, Charles Villarrubia, David Zerkel, Mike Roylance, and Sam Pilafian.
I am a proud Eastman Performing Artist
If you’ve made it this far, thanks for coming to my site! Feel free to snoop around.