Benjamin Barnes

I am a musician, performer, educator, actor,: Classical Violinist and Violist, Bluegrass and Old-Time Fiddler and mandolin player, Jazz violinist/ fiddler, Filmaker, Cameraman and Videogapher, Painter and Digital Artist, Singer Songwriter Guitarist, Lyricist, Scriptwriter, and Poet. Benjamin D. Barnes Barnes received his Bachelor’s and Masters’ of Music Degrees from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. During his High School years he studied violin with Heifetz protege and concert soloist Sherry Kloss. These studies were supplemented with Oregon State University’s professor of violin and viola Marlon Carlson. Carlson served as the Principal Violist with the Tokyo Philharmonic and performed with many Orchestras and Chamber Music groups throughout Germany and Austria. While at the San Francisco Conservatory, Ben had private violin lessons with renowned teacher Izzy Tinkleman, as well as viola lessons with Paul Hersh, the respected chamber music coach. He undertook weekly violin studies with Zaven Melikian, the former concertmaster of the San Francisco Opera. His viola classes were taught by Don Ehrlich, former associate principal viola of the San Francisco Symphony. From, and on these foundations, Ben further developed his talents and performance skills. The Rilke String Quartet (recordings available on this website) was coached by Concord String Quartet first violinist Mark Sokol. Ben went off-campus to study electric violin, jazz performance and composition with Turtle Island String Quartet composer/performer David Balakrishnan. Benjamin D. Barnes Barnes received his Bachelor’s and Masters’ of Music Degrees from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. During his High School years he studied violin with Heifetz protege and concert soloist Sherry Kloss. These studies were supplemented with Oregon State University’s professor of violin and viola Marlon Carlson. Carlson served as the Principal Violist with the Tokyo Philharmonic and performed with many Orchestras and Chamber Music groups throughout Germany and Austria. While at the San Francisco Conservatory, Ben had private violin lessons with renowned teacher Izzy Tinkleman, as well as viola lessons with Paul Hersh, the respected chamber music coach. He undertook weekly violin studies with Zaven Melikian, the former concertmaster of the San Francisco Opera. His viola classes were taught by Don Ehrlich, former associate principal viola of the San Francisco Symphony. From, and on these foundations, Ben further developed his talents and performance skills. The Rilke String Quartet (recordings available on this website) was coached by Concord String Quartet first violinist Mark Sokol. Ben went off-campus to study electric violin, jazz performance and composition with Turtle Island String Quartet composer/performer David Balakrishnan.