Benny is currently a student at the University of Hawaii at Manoa Music Department; working towards a Bachelors of Music degree in Piano. He was born and raised here on Oahu and at the age of 7 he began his musical journey with Sam Adams. Being classically trained for 13 years, Benny has built a repertoire of works by Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Rachmaninoff, Chopin, etc, and has had the opportunity to perform them in recitals and events, such as retirement homes and other venues.

Studying at UH broadened his classical perspective and made him grow out of his comfort zone by experiencing what it's like playing in a String/Jazz Chamber ensemble. It also got him actively learning other instruments like guitar and bass guitar, while producing music for fun and practicing 24/7. Benny admits that his journey was slow, rocky, and it was far from perfect, but his hardships made him realize that you can achieve anything you want in life if you put in the work. Now, he wishes to inspire students and share his passion for music by teaching here at Chuck James Music School.

 

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