Ben Paul's Music​
Cosmic Grooves | Classical Roots
As a Performer
Classically trained and rhythmically driven, Ben Paul creates an expressive fusion of jazz, funk, and cinematic music that grooves as much as it moves.
An award-winning Canadian pianist, multi-instrumentalist, and composer from Calgary, Alberta, Ben studied with nationally renowned pianist Stéphan Sylvestre at the University of Western Ontario, earning his Master of Music in Piano Performance in 2022 with distinction on his graduating recital. He later completed a Master of Arts in Music Theory at the same institution, where his research project explored the relationship between medieval-inspired video game soundtracks and authentic medieval music under the supervision of Dr. Catherine Nolan.
“I had Ben play piano for my wedding and he did a phenomenal job! He has a gift for music! He also was super flexible and accommodating for planning everything! I would definitely recommend him for whatever event you may have!”- Amy Thompson
Ben has performed extensively across Canada and in Italy as a soloist, collaborator, and ensemble musician. He has presented piano recitals including "Hexenlied: Tunes of Terror", a Halloween piano concert featuring soprano Michaela Chiste, and has played at rock concerts, restaurants, corporate events, weddings, and the Okotoks Show and Shine car festival. His versatility has led to collaborations with vocalists such as Michaela Chiste and Calgary-based singer-songwriter Kelsey Raine/Alice Awake, co-writing and recording original music with both artists. His performances are marked by a balance of technical precision, improvisational flair, and expressive storytelling.
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“Ben played piano for my wedding ceremony and cocktail hour. He was professional, friendly, and easy to work with. He quickly learned the songs I had chosen and played beautifully for the most important day of my life. He made the music an unforgettable, relaxing, and melodious experience. I highly recommend experiencing his talent!” - Katelyn Ley
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A pivotal moment in Ben’s musical journey occurred during his graduate studies and collaborative projects. While analyzing film scores and video game soundtracks at Western University, he became fascinated by how certain chord transformations and melodies could convey specific moods and narratives. Alongside this, collaborating and performing pop, jazz and originals with singer-songwriter Kelsey Raine allowed him to freely explore improvisation, rhythm, and groove in a contemporary context.
These experiences inspired him to blend his classical foundation with jazz, funk, and soundtrack-inspired influences, developing a personal style that is both technically precise and rhythmically alive. His goal is to create performances that invite listeners into immersive sound worlds, from intimate solo piano to groove-driven, original compositions — where sophistication meets imagination.
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"I had the pleasure of hosting three concerts featuring Ben at the piano. From the early planning stages to the day of the performance, he was fantastic to work with - always professional, dependable, and easy to communicate with throughout the whole process. He was also wonderfully accommodating, letting me request specific pieces to shape the concerts around what I had in mind. Working with Ben was a truly great experience. He is a delight and I would gladly recommend him for concerts, recitals, or any event that needs a great pianist!" - Elizabeth Khayutin
Ben is currently preparing to release two original projects: a solo piano album combining jazz, funk, and neo-classical elements, and an electronic EP, featuring reimagined versions of his piano works infused with futuristic, groove-based sound design. He continues to perform across Canada, sharing his unique blend of classical roots and modern energy with new audiences.
As a Teacher
Ben Paul is an award-winning pianist, composer, and music educator based in Calgary, Alberta. He holds a Master of Music in Piano Performance and a Master of Arts in Music Theory from Western University, studying with nationally acclaimed pianist Stéphan Sylvestre.
Since 2014, Ben has taught piano, music theory, music history, and cello to students of all ages and levels across Canada, the United States, and Japan. Over 80% of his students who have taken RCM exams have achieved First Class Honors or First Class Honors with Distinction. His teaching philosophy combines technical foundations with shaping, expressivity, improvisation, and performance skills.
Ben has received numerous scholarships and awards, including third place in the senior piano division at the Cremona International Competition and multiple first-place finishes at the Calgary Performing Arts Festival. He currently lives in Calgary, where he continues to teach, perform, and work on new musical projects.