John Benton
About Us
John Benton
Pianist, Educator, Performer
John Benton
Accomplished Pianist, Educator, and Performer Artistry
John Benton is a graduate of The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he received his Bachelor of Music and Master of Arts in Teaching. While at UNC, he studied piano under Steinway Artist Dr. Mayron Tsong and was awarded the prestigious Sydney M. Dowd Fellowship for Piano Studies. Benton’s international performance experience includes prestigious music festivals in Italy, such as the Lorenzo de Medici-Tuscania Music Festival, and The Schlern-Orfeo Music Festival in Vols am Schlern. He has performed globally in countries like Argentina, Austria, Brazil, Cuba, Germany, Spain, and Switzerland, with notable performances at world-class venues like Carnegie Hall, Teatro Colon, the Museum of the Revolution in Havana, Cathedral of Toledo (Spain), and the AMIA Jewish Center in Buenos Aires. His music journey continues to take him around the world, sharing his talent on international stages.
Currently, John Benton serves as the head of the Piano Department at Durham School of the Arts, where he teaches over 90 aspiring pianists daily. His students have earned numerous awards and have performed in highly regarded venues such as Carnegie Hall, Radio City Music Hall, and the Walt Disney World Resort.
Renowned Educator and Leader in Music Education Artistry
Benton has premiered works at Carnegie Hall five times, collaborating with esteemed composers such as Eric Whitacre, Maria Guinand, and Alberto Grau, among others. His piano students have also received top honors in the Elite International Piano Competition, performing at Weill Recital Hall in New York. Benton has worked with renowned teachers, including Nell Middleton, Dr. Mayron Tsong, Dr. Thomas Otten, Irina Krivonos, Sergio de los Cobos, and many others. In 2021, Benton became a Steinway and Sons Verified Piano Teacher and, in 2024, his studio, Benton Piano Studios, was named a Steinway and Sons Teacher and Educational Partner. Benton is an active member of several professional organizations, including the National Association of Music Educators, Music Teachers National Association, American Choral Directors Association, and more. His commitment to music education has inspired and shaped the careers of many young musicians.
