Ask Ben Basile about his passion, and he’ll tell you definitively-- it's music. What began as curiosity in high school has transformed into a deeply-rooted love for not only the bass guitar, but many different instruments and genres of music. Since then, the Hudson Valley native has dedicated much of his time to practicing, perfecting, and sharing his craft with others.  

Ben currently teaches private music lessons in person and online. While Ben's primary instruments are electric and upright bass; he also teaches music theory, jazz theory, improvisation, and beginner piano. Click here to find out more about music lessons with Ben!

Ben first studied music at Dutchess Community College in Poughkeepsie, New York, where he earned a Music Performance Certificate and an Associate Degree in Business. Ben attributes much of his success at DCC to the chair of the music department, Dr. Christopher Brellochs. 

Ben expanded upon his music education at The State University of New York at New Paltz, where he received a Bachelors of Science in Jazz Studies. Ben’s time at New Paltz culminated in his senior recital on April 16, 2011. Later in 2012, Ben expanded his musical voice and began studying and performing on upright bass. 

Ben has performed with various groups in 30 different countries, across six continents.  His first tour was in 2013 with the NYC ska and reggae group Pilfers, an opportunity that has led to him traveling the world with Big D and The Kids Table and the New York Ska-Jazz Ensemble. Ben’s travels have shown him the universal nature and importance of music as a means of communication.  Click here to see where Ben is performing next!

When he is home in the Hudson Valley, Ben performs regularly with In The Pocket, Eric Puente Jazz Quartet, Sheridan Ruitin. Ben is also a founding member of the Poughkeepsie Jazz Project, a group which supports the local jazz community and organizes a weekly, Tuesday night jazz jam session since 2012. Ben released his debut album Two For Twenty on November 15, 2016. Currently, Ben is writing and arranging his second solo album. To hear more of Ben’s recordings visit here. 

In his free time, Ben enjoys cooking, traveling, playing chess, and being outdoors. Ben also serves on the Board of Directors for the High Falls Food Co-op in High Falls, NY as well as on the Academic Advisory Committee for the Academy of Music at Dutchess Community College in Poughkeepsie, NY. 

Ben also maintains a healthy, drug and alcohol-free lifestyle, and has done so throughout his career. While Ben is no doubt on the “up-and-up,” he remains humble, and is thankful for the many opportunities that have come his way.

Contact Ben Basile Here.