About Me

Ben Hanson is a K–12 music educator, pianist, tenor, conductor, and curriculum specialist based in the Minneapolis area. He is passionate about making the arts a driver of equity, creativity, and student engagement, and has spent more than a decade helping students and educators connect more deeply with music and learning.

Ben currently teaches elementary general and vocal music at Palmer Lake Elementary School, part of Osseo Area Schools, where he is entering his 13th year in education. In addition to his classroom work, he serves as a team leader and curriculum specialist, providing instructional leadership for over 60 arts specialists and 20+ elementary music educators across the district. He also partners with the district’s equity leadership team to embed culturally responsive pedagogy into the arts curriculum.

Throughout his career, Ben has designed and facilitated districtwide professional development, coached teachers across disciplines, and helped align curriculum with Minnesota standards and social-emotional learning goals. His approach combines data-informed decision-making, collaborative coaching, and a deep respect for every learner’s voice.

As an educator, Ben has also taught K–12 vocal and classroom music at Zanewood Community School, South View Middle School, DaVinci Academy of Arts and Science, Moose Lake Community Schools, and Duluth Public Schools. He has served as a choral clinician, All-State sectional coach, and festival adjudicator, bringing his expertise and enthusiasm to students and educators statewide.

As a performer, Ben is a tenor and pianist who has received Superior ratings through the Minnesota Federation of Music Clubs festivals. He is an active church musician, performing on piano, keyboard, and voice in a variety of worship settings. His musicianship extends to musical theatre direction, where he has led productions including Singin’ in the Rain, Seussical the Musical, Fame, Little Shop of Horrors, A Chorus Line, Godspell, Giants in the Sky, Annie Jr., and Fame Jr.

Born and raised in Duluth, Minnesota, Ben earned his Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Music Education from The College of St. Scholastica and his Master of Science in Curriculum & Instruction from Western Governors University.

Ben believes that music education should be accessible, inclusive, and transformative. His classroom and leadership practices are guided by the belief that every child deserves opportunities to create, perform, and connect through the arts. Whether through curriculum design, teacher mentorship, or cross-disciplinary collaboration, Ben’s work centers on helping both students and educators discover their authentic voices.

He is always eager to collaborate on projects that connect creativity, equity, and instructional excellence—whether in curriculum development, professional learning, or arts integration initiatives.