Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ben Sheeley. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Ben, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

I first took an interest in jazz when I was a kid and I heard the music from tv shows like Blues Clues and the Peanuts specials. My first piano teacher also noticed that I had a tendency to “jazz up” pieces she was having me work on and when I was 13, she recommended that I study with jazz pianist Tim Young.

At the same time I took an interest in cartooning and since I was around 10 I have drawn original comic strips with my own characters. My goal is to make a living out of both these interests.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I have studied jazz piano since I was 13. I completed my undergraduate degree in Jazz/Commercial Composition at Towson University in 2022, and this year graduated from TU with an MM in Jazz/Commercial Piano Performance. Since graduating, I currently play with some fellow Towson students at a monthly Chic-Fil-A Jazz Night which occurs on the last Friday of every month.

During my time at Towson University, I have had my original pieces performed by various jazz combos as well as the Towson University Jazz Orchestra (either conducting or playing piano). I have also ocasionally played with the Towson University Wind ensemble as a guest and have played in performances as part of Towson University’s Murray Jazz Residency with guest artists Oliver Lake, Drew Gress, Angelica Sanchez, Wadadda Leo Smith, and Joe Lovano.

My repertoire consists of jazz standards, classic rock and top 40 pop, and original pieces.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being creative is when I hear what I have written played by real musicians and what I thought initially might not be so good turns out to be great! It’s one thing to have a midi play back what you wrote, but real musicians can bring your piece to life and take it to another level.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Another rewarding aspect of being creative is when my pieces connect with people emotionally. Writing my piece “Domingo’s Dance” helped cope with his passing from dementia. Another piece I wrote, “Changing Wind” was based on an idea a friend of mine had, and when she heard the piece she said it made her cry.