BEN LEVY

Minneapolis, MN

Email: crossingthedissolve@gmail.com

Phone: 651-528-0131

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ben-levy-a519b15b

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

Arts educator, teaching artist, and program support professional with over fifteen years of experience in contemporary music education, media arts instruction, curriculum development, and creative program operations. Holds a Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Art and Education with a demonstrated record of teaching, mentoring, and supporting diverse student populations across K–12, college preparatory, community-based, and nonprofit arts education settings. Experienced in faculty collaboration, student advising, instructional coordination, and creative production within academic and professional environments. Committed to inclusive, student-centered pedagogy and the integration of creative practice with academic rigor.

EDUCATION
Arizona State University – Phoenix, AZ Master of Arts, Interdisciplinary Art and Education, 2025 GPA: 4.0 Graduate scholarship emphasized interdisciplinary pedagogy, curriculum design, creative research methodologies, and applied educational theory within arts-based learning environments. Arizona State University West – Phoenix, AZ Interdisciplinary Arts and Performance: Interactive Media, 2010–2012 Upper-division coursework in interactive media, digital production, and interdisciplinary creative practice.

TEACHING & INSTRUCTIONAL EXPERIENCE Teaching Philosophy My teaching philosophy is grounded in the belief that meaningful learning occurs at the intersection of creative practice, critical inquiry, and inclusive pedagogy. I approach instruction as a collaborative process that honors students’ lived experiences, cultural contexts, and individual learning goals while maintaining clear academic and artistic standards. Drawing from interdisciplinary arts education, I design learning environments that foster experimentation, reflection, and technical skill development through project-based and experiential learning. I am committed to equitable, student-centered teaching that emphasizes access, mentorship, and formative assessment. Whether working with emerging artists, college preparatory students, or adult learners, I prioritize transparent communication, structured feedback, and adaptable instructional strategies that support diverse learning styles. My work in contemporary music, media arts, and interdisciplinary education informs an approach that integrates technical proficiency with creative expression, preparing students to engage critically and confidently in academic, professional, and artistic contexts. Digital Communications CTE Instructor Bourgade Catholic High School – Phoenix, AZ July 2024 – July 2025 ● Delivered project-based instruction in digital communication, media production, and professional collaboration. ● Designed and implemented curriculum aligned with Career and Technical Education (CTE) standards. ● Provided individualized academic coaching and monitored student progress through formative assessment. ● Collaborated with faculty and administration to align instruction with program objectives and student outcomes. Music Teacher / Tutor Arise AZ – Phoenix, AZ February 2024 – January 2026 ● Provided individual and small-group music instruction for students across varied skill levels. ● Developed lesson plans emphasizing musicianship, practice methodology, and performance confidence. ● Designed curriculum for animation-focused media courses integrating sound, rhythm, and storytelling. ● Adapted instructional approaches to meet individual learning goals and developmental needs. Part-Time Teacher (Video Production & ESL) Westwind Preparatory Academy – Phoenix, AZ September 2013 – May 2015 ● Taught video production courses aligned with institutional curriculum and learning objectives. ● Developed weekly lesson plans and assessed student learning outcomes. ● Served as English as a Second Language (ESL) instructor during departmental transition. ARTS EDUCATION & PROGRAM SUPPORT Media Lead & Teaching Artist Phoenix Conservatory of Music – Phoenix, AZ January 2014 – January 2023 ● Supported contemporary music and arts education programming across individual lessons, ensembles, and performance-based instruction. ● Advised students and families regarding placement, learning pathways, and program progression. ● Collaborated with faculty and administrators to ensure curriculum alignment and instructional consistency. ● Assisted in planning and execution of concerts, recitals, showcases, and community-facing events. ● Produced educational and performance media for online concerts and institutional initiatives. ● Developed coursework for the College Prep Program supporting musicians’ media literacy and digital presence. ● Collaborated with Arizona State University and the Center for Music & Arts (CMA) to create an animated Teaching Artist training series. ● Served as liaison between students, faculty, and community partners.

CREATIVE & PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Media Strategist ArtHarmony Futures – Minneapolis, MN September 2025 – Present

● Develop and manage media strategies supporting arts-focused initiatives and community engagement.

● Collaborate with organizational leadership on strategic content planning and outreach.

● Translate analytics into actionable content strategy and audience development practices.

Creator / Level 4.5 Video Engineer Nuvia Dental Implant Center – Phoenix, AZ February 2022 – October 2023

● Produced and managed multimedia content across video, graphic, and digital platforms.

● Collaborated with marketing, design, and development teams to align creative assets with organizational goals.

● Applied analytics and search optimization strategies to enhance engagement and performance.

● Designed motion graphics using Adobe After Effects for national digital campaigns.

Creative Director Broken Door Media – Tempe, AZ March 2015 – August 2017

● Directed multimedia production projects from concept through delivery for regional and national clients.

● Managed creative workflows, production timelines, and quality assurance processes.

Media Director Spydercrane / Smiley Lifting Solutions – Phoenix, AZ August 2012 – July 2013

● Established and led a media department within a growing industrial organization.

● Directed photography, video production, and web development initiatives.

● Produced in-house training materials and marketing assets utilizing Adobe Creative Suite and Blender.

Videographer/Editor The Arab American Association – Phoenix, AZ July 2011 – December 2014

● Produced media supporting organizational programming, advocacy initiatives, and community engagement.

● Managed live event production and projection services.

Additional Production & Technical Roles Trill Hip-Hop Shop (2022–2023) – Event videography and live production Rips Bar (2021–2023) – Sound engineer, projectionist, and digital content creator

PRESENTATIONS, COLLABORATIONS & WORKSHOPS

● Guest Presenter, File Integration Across the Adobe Production Suite, SIGGRAPH Conference, Anaheim, CA, 2013.

● Director and Technical Director, TEDx ASU West Event, 2012.

● Videographer/Editor, Memory and Countermemory International Symposium, 2011.

● Contributing student artist The Colectiva: ALT CTRL project which involved a collaboration with Professor Clark, Dr.Barry Moon, and visiting artist, Luis Gómez of Havana, Cuba in Spring 2012.

● Exhibiting Artist and Workshop Facilitator, eXMeLab (2025) – Facilitated “Build It, Play It: Upscaling Instrument Workshop,” a sustainability-focused creative practice workshop utilizing reclaimed materials.

● Collaborator, Justice and Art Jam (Future IDs), Los Angeles State Historic Park, 2025 – Participated in an interdisciplinary arts advocacy initiative supporting justice reform and community engagement.

● Ongoing guest instruction and workshops in media production and music education (2013–present).

CERTIFICATIONS & TECHNICAL PROFICIENCIES

Focusrite Pro RedNet Certification

PROFESSIONAL SERVICE & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

● Arts education collaboration with OpenDanceAZ, and Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock Center.

● Media production support for Puente AZ (2019).

PRIVATE STUDIO WORK

Painted Tiger Studios (2015–2016) – Founded and managed multimedia production studio. Made Space (2021–2022) – Secondary music education initiative. Ground Zero Studios (2022–2023) – Stage manager and projectionist.

PERFORMANCE HISTORY

Extensive performance history as bassist, guitarist, drummer, and projectionist in regional and touring ensembles (1990s–present), contributing to live performance, recording, and multimedia stage production.

REFERENCES Available upon request.