Dr. Benjamin Coy

A professional trombonist and teacher based in Columbus, Ohio, Dr. Benjamin Coy has over 25 years of teaching experience. He has performed with the Columbus Symphony Orchestra and numerous other ensembles throughout greater Columbus. In addition to his performing and teaching work, he serves as Executive Director of the Central Ohio Symphony in Delaware and Music Director of the Central Ohio Brass Band in Gahanna. Private trombone lessons are available in person in Columbus and online.

Dr. Coy teaches private trombone lessons for all ages and experience levels, from beginning band students to advanced performers preparing for college auditions, honor bands, and solo competitions. His teaching emphasizes strong fundamentals and thoughtful musicianship in a supportive but challenging environment, helping students grow into confident, independent musicians.

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What Students Learn

Private trombone lessons focus on two core areas: sound production and musicianship. This differs from group instruction (like school bands) that tend to prioritize learning to play specific repertoire for regular concerts.

Strong trombone playing begins with confident control of the instrument and a solid technical foundation in sound production. Once students can reliably produce the sound they intend, they gain the freedom to focus on the artistic opportunities of the repertoire. Lessons focus on essential fundamentals such as long tones, lip slurs, articulation, and dynamics, building the consistency needed to meet any technical challenge.

Just as important as production is musical understanding. Beyond playing the notes on the page, students learn how music is structured, how phrases connect, and how individual elements contribute to the overall musical impact. This understanding, combined with personal expression, leads to more intentional and compelling performances.

Student Achievements

My students regularly earn placements in top ensembles and competitive music programs at the secondary and collegiate levels.

  • Music scholarships awarded from Ohio State, Capital University, University of Cincinnati, Indiana University, Arizona State, the University of North Texas, and others
  • Positions earned in OMEA All-State Band and Orchestra, Columbus Youth Symphony, Columbus Youth Jazz Big Bands, and more
  • Superior (Division I) ratings at OMEA Solo & Ensemble Contest
Credentials & Experience

Teaching Experience

Over the past 25 years, I have worked with students on every level from beginner through university. I was on faculty at South Texas College for eight years, where I taught music theory and conducted the symphonic band in addition to teaching lessons on all brass instruments. While working on my doctorate, I served as the teaching associate for the trombone studio at Ohio State University, where I taught trombone lessons and coached brass ensembles.

At the pre-collegiate level, I have served as a clinician in Westerville, Gahanna, Pickerington, and other local school districts. I coached the OMEA Region 15 District Orchestra brass section and taught summer camps at Ohio Wesleyan University and the College of Wooster. I have judged Solo & Ensemble contest as well as All-State auditions.

I have presented clinics at major conferences including the International Trombone Festival, the International Tuba & Euphonium Association Conference, and the Texas Music Educators' Association Convention. My compositions and arrangements have been published by Warwick Music, Cherry Classics, Ensemble Publications, as well as my own website, Coy Music.

Performance Experience

I have performed with many professional orchestras in central Ohio, including:

  • Columbus Symphony Orchestra
  • ProMusica Chamber Orchestra
  • Worthington Chamber Orchestra
  • Springfield Symphony Orchestra
  • Newark-Granville Symphony Orchestra
  • Westerville Symphony Orchestra
  • Central Ohio Symphony

Through competitive auditions, I have earned tenure-track positions with several professional orchestras, including:

  • Valley Symphony Orchestra
  • Springfield Symphony Orchestra
  • Waterloo-Cedar Falls Symphony
  • Orchestra Iowa

Education

I studied primarily with musicians from the Chicago Symphony, including retired principal trombonist Jay Friedman and second trombonist Michael Mulcahy. My doctorate focused on brass pedagogy, with an emphasis on developing consistent and accurate pitch and intonation across the instrument.

  • Doctor of Musical Arts, Ohio State University
  • Master of Music, Northwestern University
  • Bachelor of Music, Chicago College of Performing Arts
Who Lessons Are For

Lessons are designed for musicians at all stages who want to improve in a focused, one-on-one setting.

This includes students preparing for auditions, solo performances, or ensemble placement, as well as those who benefit from more individualized attention than a group setting can provide.

Benefits of Private Lessons

Frequently Asked Questions
Where do you teach?
My studio is located near High St. and North Broadway in Columbus. This central location is convenient to all of Franklin County, including Westerville, Worthington, Upper Arlington, Dublin, and Grove City.
Do you offer online lessons?
Yes! Online lessons are available for students outside the Columbus area and for those who prefer the flexibility of remote instruction.
How long do lessons last?
I offer 30-minute and 60-minute lessons. I recommend 30-minute lessons for younger students who are still developing the endurance to play for longer durations. More experienced musicians benefit from a full hour session.
Can you teach jazz and popular styles?
Yes, the trombone is a versatile instrument used in many genres. A well-rounded musician should be able to confidently perform in a variety of styles, and I am comfortable teaching everything from classical to jazz and rock.
What do you teach in addition to trombone?
I also help students with music theory, composition, arranging, orchestration, music history, and other topics commonly included in undergraduate music study. In addition to trombone, I have experience teaching all brass instruments (including trumpet, French horn, tenor horn, baritone, euphonium, and tuba) as well as beginning and intermediate piano.
Do you work with adults?
Yes. I work with students of all ages, including adult beginners, amateur musicians, and returning players.
How much do lessons cost?
30-minute lessons cost $40, and 60-minute lessons cost $70. Payment can be made via cash, PayPal, or Venmo.

Contact Dr. Coy

Call or text 312-933-8198, or submit the form below.