“My journey into music education started when I was pretty young,” says Cape Symphony teaching artist Ben Colgan, who has sung and studied piano since childhood. A Nauset Regional High School graduate, he was active in ensembles and productions throughout his school years, and went on to study music at Boston University.
Today, he teaches at Nauset himself. Succeeding the person who was his own chorus teacher is a real source of pride. “It’s an honor to have a chance to give back to the place that gave me such a strong education,” he says. “And it’s especially exciting as they’ve built a new performing arts center which is a significant improvement from the one I performed in!”
At Cape Symphony, Ben gives lessons in piano and voice, and will direct the Youth Chorus starting in January 2026. “The chorus is an opportunity for young people in the community with an interest in singing and music to improve their musicianship together, developing skills and making friends,” says Ben. “We’ll learn a diverse range of music, including some traditional choral works with a deep sense of heritage, and some contemporary popular pieces.”
Ben has taught chorus at both of Brewster’s elementary schools and is excited to bring that experience to Cape Symphony. “Rehearsals and repetition make it successful… by performance time, they do something they’re really proud of. It’s a real joy for families to see their kids singing together.”
In addition to teaching, Ben is Music Director at South Yarmouth United Methodist Church, and frequently music directs local theater productions (don’t miss Annie at the Harwich Junior Theatre, December 5 - 30, 2025). Asked about his favorite shows, he says “I would love to do Legally Blonde again! It’s one of my all-time favorites. At B.U. we reproduced the one they did on Broadway... It’s a fantastic show, uplifting and light, with very compelling music.”
Asked how he spends his time outside of work, Ben laughs… there just isn’t a lot of downtime! “I like to cook with family, though, and I like to read, and go on walks. We have great access to nature on Cape Cod, and I really missed that during my Boston years.”
Ben brings energy and talent to all his endeavors. It’s important to him that his students learn and grow in their musicianship, and that they enjoy the experience, too. “It requires a careful balance,” he says. “We work hard, but it’s very friendly and fun.”
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Ben Colgan is accepting new piano, voice, and ukelele students at Cape Symphony’s Lower Cape Extension (94 Freeman’s Way, Brewster), and will direct the Debut Chorus starting in January 2026. For more information, email
