Ben Portner is a producer, pianist, vibraphonist and educator. He graduated from Webster University with a Masters Degree in Jazz Composition and orchestration, and graduated from the New School University for Jazz in New York City on scholarship with a BFA in Jazz Performance.

Growing up in high school Ben played vibraphone and drums professionally with groups across St. Louis including the late great Willie Aikens band at Spruill’s. He played in the all state jazz ensembles, won awards from Downbeat magazine for his original compositions and played drums in the Jazz St. Louis All Star Band. He also did an artist residency at the Kennedy Center for the prestigious Betty Carter Jazz Ahead program which has produced top talent in the jazz world such as Jason Moran, Cyrus Chestnut, and Casey Benjamin.

In college Ben toured in Europe with different Jazz ensembles. He has studied with world renowned artists such as Stefon Harris, Aaron Parks, Ben Street, Tommy Crane, Glenn Zaleski, Charlie Persip, Reggie Workman, Matt Brewer, Rudolph Palmer, Mark Colenburg, Andrew Cyrille, Frank Locrasto, Lawrence Fields, Steve Nelson, Rich Thompson, Jeff Campbell, and Peter Schlamb.

During his time in St. Louis Ben taught music theory, beat making and Pro-Tools at Vatterott College Extreme Institute by Nelly. In 2016 Ben orchestrated instrument parts for the St. Louis Symphony for their Curtis Mayfield tribute concert. Between 2014 and 2017 Ben was the music director for congregation Kol Rinah where he helped lead and arrange music for Friday night Kabbalat Shabbat services.

Ben currently puts most of his time into electronic music production and piano work. (Ben is Pro-Tools certified) Follow @bportbeats

Ben uses the following software

  • Ableton Live

  • FL Studio

  • Pro Tools

  • Serum

  • Sylenth

  • Omnisphere

  • Fabfilter

  • Waves

  • Soundtoys

  • Valhalla Reverbs and Delays

  • Kontakt

  • Superior Drummer

  • Acustica

  • RC-20

  • Output Kontakt Library

  • Nexus

  • Arturia Analog Lab

  • Native Instruments

  • UHE Diva

  • UAD software

(Ben has studied with the following audio producers and audio engineers)

  • Sam Maul

  • Orion Navaille

  • Jesse Taub

  • Dominique Sanders (@bassman816)

  • Desmond Mason (@DdotProfessor)

  • Timothy Linetsky (DJ Underbelly) (@yousuckatproducing )

  • Ryland Kelly (@Thislandis)

  • Spencer Reid (@Tailsxbeats)