Meet Ben Martin, the Founder Who Started It All
Ben (a.k.a. Ben Jammin) founded Tahoe Truckee School of Music to bring music to everyone. He holds a music degree, was voted the area's Best Music Teacher, and has shared the stage with legends like Kenny Loggins and Mike Love of the Beach Boys.
Instruments I Teach
About Ben
Ben founded Tahoe Truckee School of Music on a simple mission: cultivating life skills and community through music for everyone, regardless of age, experience, ability, or financial resources.
Known around town as Ben Jammin, he especially loves teaching people who think they have no musical talent. He still teaches guitar, ukulele, bass, banjo, and mandolin by special appointment.
Background & Credentials
- Degree in music from Sierra Nevada College
- Voted Best Music Teacher by the North Lake Tahoe and Truckee community (Sierra Sun Best Of Music, 2023)
- Has performed with Kenny Loggins and Mike Love of the Beach Boys
- Founder and Executive Director of Tahoe Truckee School of Music
What Students Love About Ben
Founder & Mentor
Learn from the person who built TTSM, with a warm, interactive, hands-on style.
Played With Legends
Has shared the stage with Kenny Loggins and Mike Love of the Beach Boys.
Makes It Approachable
Especially good with adults who aren't sure they can do it. He'll show you that you can.
Band Coaching
Interested in playing in a band? Ask Ben about his band-coaching sessions.
Is Ben a Good Fit for You?
Ben teaches kids and adults, from total beginners to advanced players. Find where you fit in.
Adult Players
Ben focuses on adult students, from first-timers to those getting back into it.
Band Coaching
Want to play in a band? Ben is building 8-week band-coaching sessions.
Guitar, Uke, Bass & More
Guitar, ukulele, banjo, mandolin, and bass, by special appointment.
What People Say About Ben
14 verbatim quotes from Google reviews. Sort by what you're looking for.
"Ben is the best! I'm an adult beginner who always wanted to learn guitar."
Montana Hodges
Adult guitar student · Google · Dec 2020
"After a couple failed attempts I thought it was hopeless. I wish I had found this place years ago."
Montana Hodges
Adult guitar student · Google · Dec 2020
"I've been playing guitar for 40 years but had not been progressing. Ben has challenged me to play styles that I had been afraid to attempt."
Rick Mitchell
Adult guitar student · Google · Sep 2017
"It's great to be learning again."
Rick Mitchell
Adult guitar student · Google · Sep 2017
"Ben Martin, the founder and director of the school, is my guitar teacher, and he makes playing the guitar so much fun! I learn something new every week!"
Claire McLean
Adult guitar student · Google · Oct 2017
"I leave there feeling like I can't wait until the next class!"
Claire McLean
Adult guitar student · Google · Oct 2017
"He is an excellent communicator and has a strong commitment to fundamentals."
Kimberly Wilcox
Adult guitar student · Google · Sep 2017
"He believes everyone should enjoy music and individualizes lesson plans to make the lesson meaningful."
Kimberly Wilcox
Adult guitar student · Google · Sep 2017
"Being brand new to playing guitar, I took a few lessons from Ben. He was very patient and thoroughly explained how to form and play several major and minor chords."
Randy House
Adult guitar student · Google · Sep 2017
"After a few lessons we were playing songs together."
Randy House
Adult guitar student · Google · Sep 2017
"Weekly lessons with Ben keep me learning and practicing and looking forward to sessions."
Louise Campbell
Adult ukulele student · Google · Jul 2020
"THANKS Ben, Brittany, and Kerry for an incredible year of lessons and learning. I am so, so happy I finally learned a little guitar. I play every day and I love it."
Aaron Gaines
Adult guitar student · Testimonial
"My son has been taking guitar lessons with Ben for years and his love of music has become so much a part of who he is. It led him to band, music and drama in high school."
Anonymous parent
Parent · Testimonial
"Ben is such a great guitar teacher. After four lessons with Ben I could play an entire Rolling Stones song and sound strong, even in my strumming!"
Montana Sue
Adult guitar student · Facebook
No quotes in that category yet.
Fun Facts About Ben
Known around town as 'Ben Jammin'
Has performed with Kenny Loggins and Mike Love of the Beach Boys
Founded TTSM and has taught here since day one
Ready to Start Your Musical Journey with Ben?
Whether you're picking up an instrument for the first time or ready to take your playing to the next level.
Already a student? Log in to the portal or visit our help page.