Ben Welch Snellings

Ben Welch Snellings has been performing as a cellist, teaching cello and string students, and coordinating music for weddings and events in the San Francisco Bay Area for more than 35 years. His work as a classical and jazz musician is founded on a rigorous, graduate-level conservatory education. As well as performing and teaching, he composes and arranges original pieces.

Ben’s multifaceted talent is showcased through his work with symphony orchestras, musical theatre, television, chamber music ensembles, and jazz combos. His musical diversity has led to touring through Europe as a cellist for the musical West Side Story, performances with the jazz strings duo Different Strokes (with violinist Yehudit), the Austin Willacy Band, and the San Francisco Composers Chamber Orchestra, among others.

Ben is a popular performer for celebrations and events. He creates an enchanted atmosphere for weddings, art openings, nonprofit and business receptions, and more.

As a cellist with deep roots in San Francisco and a former artists’ management administrator, Ben taps into a broad network of music professionals. He specializes in crafting custom ensembles to provide music for unforgettable corporate events, wedding ceremonies, and wedding receptions at San Francisco City Hall, in the Napa Valley, and at other venues.

A favorite cello and strings teacher, Ben has extensive pedagogic experience as an instrumental music director, music camp instructor, and private music teacher. As a chamber music coach or strings orchestra director, Ben quickly gets students playing music they love on cello, violin, viola, and string bass. His unique approach features a rapidly absorbed learning method developed through teaching hundreds of aspiring musicians.