Whenever I meet someone new, I'm invariably asked the same question:
"Where is your accent from?"
Born in Canada and raised on the tropical northern coast of Australia, I've lived a nomadic life and called many cities my home - a diversity of life experience which is reflected in the music I create. Upon completing my undergraduate studies in Sydney, Australia, I took my guitar to New York City where I lived in Brooklyn for several years, teaching, performing, having adventures.
Over the last couple of decades I've performed classical recitals, gigged with soul singers and rock bands, conducted orchestras and choirs, played weddings, birthdays and funerals, and even worked in churches as music director and worship pastor. Through it all I've taught countless guitar lessons in schools, studios and private residences, doing everything I can to share the joy of music and fan to flame the creative spark that lives in each of us.
~ Ben
Soundcloud Exlusives
Soundcloud Exclusives are original musical works through which I've challenged myself creatively and have freely explored a more whimsical side of my artistic self.
The works encompass a variety of musical instruments and genres, limited only by the moods I was in while creating them. In fact, guitar-centric instrumentations and original content (either composed or improvised) are the only elements that these works are guaranteed to have in common.
You might even say that this playlist is like a box of chocolates... (you never know what you're gonna get)
Album: "My Stage"
Released: 2012
All the world’s a stage,
And all the men and women merely players;
They have their exits and their entrances;
And one man in his time plays many parts,
His acts being seven ages.
- Shakespeare (As You Like It, Act II)
"The latin works also sound right up Lahring’s alley as he has a natural feel for the music and presents them honestly and playfully. Lahring pulls off a sincere performance nicely."
review from www.thisisclassicalguitar.com
Teaching
Bachelor of Music, Master of Music (in progress), Registered Music Teacher (Full Member)
I currently teach at the following locations:
Online
I have taught music for over 20 years, both privately and at the following schools:
Canada (2013 - Present)
Long & McQuade (Calgary)
Musicworks Canada (Calgary)
Morin Music (Calgary)
Cornerstone Music Cafe (Calgary)
USA (NYC) (2008-2012)
92nd Street Y (Manhattan)
New York Conservatory of Music (Manhattan)
LREI (Manhattan)
Bravissimo Music (Manhattan)
As a substitute:
Belle Arti Center for the Arts (Queens)
Brooklyn Conservatory of Music (Brooklyn)
3rd Street Music School (Manhattan)
Australia (2001-2007)
Wesley Institute (Sydney)
Holy Cross College (Sydney)
Five Dock Music School (Sydney)
Marrara Christian College (Darwin)
www.noteskills.com is a website that I built to provide supplementary resources for my students to enjoy between lessons. The noteskills courses also provide those who cannot afford traditional lessons with the resources and guidance to self-educate for free.
In addition to hosting a wide array of educational materials, noteskills.com features a seamless and convenient lesson book system.