i'm Ben.
     ready to help you! 

Music is something I’m always thinking about, whether I'm imagining new orchestrations on my commute or diving into the details of one single measure. It's work I genuinely love, and ben marcato music is where I bring that enthusiasm to your projects.

I studied composition with Timothy Mahr and Mary Ellen Childs at St. Olaf College while pursuing a bachelor's degree in ethnomusicology. While there, I premiered three original compositions and spent a summer conducting independent research on the performance practice of jazz in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Following my undergraduate studies, I earned my master's in library & information science from Syracuse University. Since then I've applied my skills as the Music Librarian & Artistic Coordinator at Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies. That role, in service of 1,300 students across 15 ensembles, has covered a wide range of work: preparing and editing part sets and scores, transcriptions and transpositions for all instruments, and expertly arranging for full orchestra. 

As a trumpeter, cellist, and choral singer with years of orchestral, chamber, and ensemble experience, I hear the music from the performer's side too. I’ve had the privilege of studying trumpet with Mark Baldin, Martin Hodel, and Garrett Klein and cello with Linc Smelser, Hellen Weberpal, and Melissa Steinberg. In pursuit of learning all I can, I’ve also been featured in masterclasses with experts such as Yo-Yo Ma, Stephen Burns, and Mark Ridenour, and received instruction from Brandon Ridenour, Matt and Kari Lee, Will Scarlett, and Rex Martin.

These days I'm actively composing and arranging for Bur Oak Brass, a quintet I founded and still perform in, with a focus on uplifting under-celebrated voices like Amy Beach.

My freelance engraving clients have included Luck's Music Library and Harper College. I love the intimate craft of making parts that are clean, clear, and a pleasure to read and perform. When I'm not crafting music, I enjoy trying new foods and spending time with my partner, Greta, and cat, Hugo.