And this
is my cello,
Hermann

​Cellist J. Ben Rodriguez is devoted to sharing his curiosity through performance, collaboration, and education.

From pelog to extended just intonation, Rodriguez is not afraid to raise a few eyebrows with the music he performs on cello; his versatility spans jazz, classical, and world traditions. Rodriguez thrives on close collaboration with other performers, composers and artists, and is committed to sharing stories and perspectives that deserve a voice.

He has been a fellow of Madeline Island Chamber Music Festival, a fellow of Silkroad’s Global Musicians Workshop, and is currently a Teaching Artist and Composer for nonprofit Documentary Songwriting. He has performed in Carnegie Hall with Oberlin Orchestra, has been recognized with an outstanding soloist award from Jazz at Lincoln Center on double bass, and transcribes and performs with Houston’s contemporary Javanese music ensemble, Gamelan of the New Moon. Rodriguez holds a Master of Music degree from Shepherd School of Music at Rice University as a student of Norman Fischer and a Bachelor of Music from Oberlin Conservatory with Dmitry Kouzov. Rodriguez continues to grow and share his expertise with students and audiences in Houston.