Our Staff Brian Benning

Brian Benning: Resident Musical Artist and Professional Violinist

Brian Benning, Benning Violins’ resident musical artist and professional violinist, is also an accomplished teacher, pianist, and singer. His musical journey began at the age of 3 under the guidance of Nancy Benning. His talent quickly became evident, and after nearly a decade of study, he transitioned to learning under Teresa DiTullio. By his early twenties, Brian had embarked on a professional career, studying with renowned teachers such as Robert Lipsett, Manuel Compinsky, Linda Rose, Mike Ferril, and Endre Granat.

Throughout this period, Brian dedicated time to working at the family business, initially known as Studio City Music, now Benning Violins. He has contributed to the shop while balancing his professional career and other interests. At 20, Brian discovered a passion for violin making and, under the tutelage of his brother Eric and father Hans, handcrafted four fine violins.

Brian is a seasoned session player and freelancer in the vibrant Los Angeles music scene, boasting a curriculum vitae that reads like a who’s who of the entertainment industry. He has performed with Clay Aiken, Josh Groban, Susan Boyle, and Demi Lovato, and recorded with Barry Manilow, Justin Timberlake, Bette Midler, Neil Diamond, Prince, Ray Charles, Diana Krall, Toni Braxton, Beyoncé, and Norah Jones, among others. He has appeared on stage with Angelica Houston and Sir Ben Kingsley and served as piano coach to Jack Nicholson for the 1996 blockbuster “As Good as It Gets.”

Brian is also an active member of the Kadima string quartet. Not only does the Kadima string quartet give recitals regularly, they are the main coaches for the Kadima conservatory of music. It is a multi-level orchestra that runs throughout the school year and an active one month long summer seminar.

Brian’s musical talents extend to countless prominent movie and television soundtracks. He has performed as a violinist with the Santa Barbara Chamber Orchestra, the Long Beach Symphony, the Civic Light Opera Orchestra, the Pasadena Symphony, and the American Youth Symphony, as well as a vocalist with the Los Angeles Master Chorale.

Today, Brian is a vital presence at Benning Violins, where he maintains high-end violins, cuts bridges, preps student outfits, and, most notably, demonstrates violins to the delight of Benning customers.