Originating from the Salvation Army, Ben began playing at the age of 8, at the age of 13 Ben joined the Carlton Main Frickley band, performing at his first British open on Principal Eb Bass at the age of 14. At the age of 17 Ben joined the world famous Grimethorpe Colliery Band. Whilst at Grimethorpe, Ben started studying Music at the University of Salford under the tuition of Howard Evans and Les Neish. During this time, Ben won both prestigious titles of the Harry Mortimer soloist award and the Roy Newsome conducting award in his final year recitals. He then continued his studies at the Royal Northern College of Music studying a Masters in Conducting and Performance.
In 2014, Ben moved from Grimethorpe to become Principal Eb Bass of the Black Dyke Band. During this time he won, the British Open, the Nationals, the European, and Yorkshire Area Championships. Ben specialises as a lower brass teacher at the Rochdale Music Service and conducts the Rochdale Borough Youth Band. Ben is frequently featured as a guest soloist around the country, whilst also leading many performance and conducting workshops.
In 2016, Ben became the musical director of the Pemberton organisation. In his first year of being the musical director, the band returned to the championship section, winning both the Northwest Area, and the National Championships and later qualifying for the Championship section National Finals at the Royal Albert Hall.
