About Me

Originally from Quincy, Illinois, Ben Makins is a distinguished horn player and educator with over 12 years of performance experience. Currently serving as a Specialist in the 312th Army Band, Ben brings a high level of discipline and artistry to every performance, a standard reflected in his designation as a C1 musician by the United States Army School of Music in 2025.

Ben's academic foundation is rooted in the Midwest, having earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Horn Performance from the University of Iowa (2019–2023). Ben continued his specialized training at the University of Tennessee (2023–2025), where he received a Master of Music degree in Horn Performance. During his tenure at UT, Ben served as the Graduate Teaching Assistant, a role that involved instructing music minor lessons, leading an underclassmen horn fundamentals course, and conducting the University of Tennessee Horn Choir.

With over five years of dedicated teaching experience, Ben is passionate about cultivating the next generation of brass players. His teaching philosophy combines rigorous technical fundamentals with the versatile musicality required for both civilian and military professional spheres. Whether in the classroom or on the stage, Ben remains committed to excellence in the horn-playing tradition.