His research focus is teaching composing, and his work on the subject has been presented and published nationally and internationally. Ben holds a PhD in music education from the University of Toronto, an M.Mus in composition from the University of British Columbia, a B.Ed from OISE/ UT, and a B.Mus from Carleton University. As a teacher, Ben has worked and made music with pre-school, elementary, secondary, and university students. Ben is also an associate composer with the Canadian Music Centre; his music has been performed by a broad variety of professional and amateur ensembles. Ben has extensive performance experience as a singer and professional stage actor.