Thirty-year old BEN TAYLOR can’t remember clearly if he was still studying or had finished his degree when he saw the National Boys Choir of Australia advertisement for an accompanist.
“I think it was 2015 and I would have just finished studying a Bachelor of Music with Honours at Monash University when I saw the ad,” he recalled.
“I’ve been with the National Boys Choir for about eight years, but it’s not the only choir I’ve worked with. I’ve also accompanied the Australian Youth Choir and I lead a choir at 3d Arts, a community arts organisation where I head up the music department,” he added.
Besides being an accompanist, a choir leader and a vocal coach, Ben also teaches piano at Tintern Grammar and has given thought to his future.
“I’m currently studying a Masters of Teaching at Deakin University because I’d like to do more teaching, but I’ve got six months to go before I finish.”
Ben began playing piano at four or five years of age. He played saxophone in bands at school and sang in various choirs.
“I like the culture at the NBCA. They strive for excellence and that’s balanced with encouragement for both staff and choristers. I love working with kids and the teachers at the National Boys Choir are excellent. The boys learn the ‘bel canto’ style of singing, which looks after their voices. Yes, they’re tutored well.”
Ben also enjoys the variety of opportunities the NBCA offers.
“I have accompanied the training choirs, Elementary and Junior, and occasionally I’ll work with the Young Men’s Choir. I’ve played at NBCA concerts, including the Winter and Christmas Concerts…and I’ve been on a few Australian tours to Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria.”
2024 will see Ben complete his Masters and hopefully step into classroom music teaching alongside his other performing, teaching and composing work.
“I will, however, still be part of rehearsals and performances with the NBCA,” Ben said.