Ben Fowler

Fowler is fully booked as a teacher, as in not taking students at this time. He is available as a recording artist and as a recording engineer.

Drums, Piano, Guitar, Ukulele

$30 half hour/$45 45 minutes/$60 per hour

    Fowler has been drumming for 26 years, and teaching for 20 years. He takes the time to teach fundamentals, and he prioritizes playing music together with his students. He believes that it is invaluable for young musicians to make music with others whenever possible. In this way they can find their sense of groove, and learn the give and take of keeping time along with guitar and other instruments.  

   'Ben is a soulful and intelligent instructor who knows how to listen to his students and creates lessons that inspire. As a fellow music teacher and parent, I am happy to bring my kids to Ben Fowler because I know he has the right skills to work with little people (like my kids) as well as people of all ages. The rehearsal space is great and very reasonably priced as well.'   -Nathan Dillon, Director, Everybody Rocks

   'Ben Fowler has been my son’s drum teacher for two years and has done a great job showing him good technique & musicianship while keeping it fun and light-hearted.’    -Rebecca

Group lessons

   Ben facilitates ‘School of Rock’ style student bands. He can help you and your friends get your musical project off the ground. Student groups learn cover songs, and work together to write originals. In the past, such groups have performed at JSMS Recitals, as well as at Rhino’s Youth Center.

   Fowler is the founder/co-director of The Limestone Beaters: The group began in June of 2012, as Bloomington’s only independent student drumline. In the summer of 2014, Aaron Comforty joined as co-director, and the group blossomed into a full on student brass band: The Limestone Beaters Brass Band recorded a full length CD in 2016; the CD was released that fall at the Chocolate Moose/Food Truck Fridays! The group has performed on WFHB’s Local Live, and even appeared at Lotus Fest in September of 2016. [The group is on hiatus at this time.]

Fowler's Background and Education

   Fowler graduated from the IU Jacobs School of Music in 2008, with a bachelors' in Jazz Studies/Percussion. At IU he studied with Los Angeles session ace Steve Houghton. He has taken lessons with New Orleans veteran drummer John Vidacovich, and studied regularly with Indianapolis jazz/gospel great Charleston ‘Deno’ Sanders.

   During his time at IU, Ben directed jazz combos, and played in the Latin American Popular Music Ensemble, and the IU Big Bands. After graduation he played drums sailing the Mediterranean, as part of the Celebrity Galaxy Theatre Orchestra. He has thrice traveled to Europe to earn his keep with a pair of sticks (aboard the cruise ship, then two tours with DM Stith (Asthmatic Kitty). Fowler has toured the eastern and southern USA with The Delicious (Joyful Noise) and Kentucky Nightmare (Standard Recording), and now gigs and tours with Bloomington favorites Jefferson St. Parade Band, and with reedy rockers Chainsaw Mondays.