VIOLINIST, PRODUCER

Bio

Bio

Ben Hoyt is a classically trained, acoustic/electric violinist from the Washington DC area. A graduate of the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University, Ben has degrees in both Violin Performance and Recording Arts and Sciences. Ben has performed with local and national musical acts including ELO, Trampled by Turtles and Dreamboat Armada, and has performed with members of Guns N’ Roses, Boston, and Heart. Ben has performed at venues including Carnegie Hall, Strathmore Hall, the Washington DC National Archives, the Bethesda Blues and Jazz club, the Washington DC 9:30 Club, and the Baltimore Soundstage. As a session musician, Ben has been featured on numerous musical projects covering a wide range of genres, from Rock to Hip-Hop to Jazz. In addition to public performances, Ben plays for weddings, fundraisers, corporate events, cruises and house parties. In addition to the violin, Ben plays guitar, piano, and sings. Ben has judged competitions at the Peabody Preparatory and has coached Baltimore City children through the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra’s OrchKids program.

Testimonials

“Instinctive and precise, Ben wields the violin as a creative extension of himself, much like a singer uses his voice. Quick to learn, he is alway ready to dig a little deeper and alway up for a challenge. Ben is a talented hard-working musician with a brilliant future ahead of him.”

Eric Troyer

“Several years ago I attended a business reception where Ben was playing his electric violin. I was awestruck from the moment I first heard him. I remember telling him that if I ever got married, I wanted him to be part of it. Fast forward several years later. I got married AND Ben performed at our reception. Everyone who was there was amazed by his talent – from the smallest of children to the oldest of adults. He is a  vibrant performer and master of his craft. His repertoire is exhaustive, and his performance is engaging. Listen to him play and you, too, will be captivated.”

Helen Connelly

“The first time I saw Ben perform it seemed to me as if all of the air had been sucked out of the room. I was at my husband’s friend’s Indian wedding ceremony, and I was so moved and transported by Ben’s ability to coax such beautiful notes out of his violin. I was in awe— and I say this as someone who has worked in the music industry and is not easily ‘wowed.’ Prior to witnessing Ben’s performance, it had never occurred to me that a violinist could faithfully perform an elaborate Hindi ballad solo— let alone to do so with such prowess and in front of a large audience. My husband, who was my fiancé at the time, felt the same way. He had the good foresight to ask for Ben’s card, as we were planning our own wedding at the time and we both knew that we HAD to have him play at our ceremony. I’m happy to say that Ben’s performance of one of my grandmother’s favorite songs brought tears to our eyes when I walked down the aisle. Ben is a consummate professional— talented, yes, but also relaxed, accommodating, full of ideas, and open to any and all suggestions. Having him at our wedding was a joy. He was so easy to work with! We asked him to perform during an outdoor ceremony and inside during a cocktail hour, and he had all of the equipment he needed to make the music perfect. I strongly recommend working with him in any capacity— book him before he gets booked up!”

Molly Beauchemin

“Ben Hoyt is an extraordinary violinist. He fully engages both with the audience and the music, channeling both an old soul and a joyful approach. Ben’s gentle spirit belies a fierce passion for music.  I feel privileged to have engaged him on many important occasions.”

Evan Krame

“Ben is outstanding. Not only is he an extraordinary artist, but his unique blend of classical and popular music brings a magical and unexpected touch to any event.  From black tie galas to corporate receptions and weddings, Ben makes any event an amazing event.”

Carrie Fox

“We were so fortunate to have Ben play the violin at our wedding during the ceremony and cocktail hour in 2017. He did a beautiful job playing “I Can’t Help Falling in Love With You” during the bridal procession; a moment that remains one of our most cherished memories. His music brought a romantic element to the evening, and 2 years after the event we still receive compliments about the “amazing wedding violinist.” We can’t thank you enough for sharing your incredible talent with us on the most important night of our lives! Thank you!”

Emily Kaiser

“One of my few responsibilities as Father of the Bride was to arrange for music during the ceremony and cocktail hour. No problem! I contacted a cello player well in advance whom I had seen (and heard) and she immediately accepted. Finished!! But shortly before the wedding date, the cellist had to bow out. She saved the day, however, by recommending Ben. Lucky for us, he was available and agreed to perform, sight unseen (and music unheard). He was very responsive and willing to play (and learn on short notice, if necessary) anything the happy couple wanted. The evening was a complete success and Ben’s amazing talent, professional demeanor and social skills contributed greatly to it. Plus,I did virtually nothing, but got all the credit for finding Ben! Happy daughter, happy dad!”

Jack Evans