Ben van Dijk
Bass & Tenor Trombone Faculty | The Global Conservatory

Ben van Dijk is one of the most respected bass trombonists and educators in the international classical music world. Based in the Netherlands, he brings over 40 years of professional orchestral, solo, and teaching experience, combining elite performance credentials with decades of conservatory-level pedagogy.

Ben earned his solo Diploma cum laude from the Royal Conservatory of The Hague and was appointed bass trombonist of the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra at a young age. After 23 years with the NRPO, he joined the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra, where he continued his distinguished orchestral career. Alongside performing, he has held long-standing teaching positions at the Conservatory of Amsterdam and Codarts Conservatory Rotterdam, shaping generations of professional trombonists.

An internationally sought-after pedagogue, Ben has been invited as a teacher and soloist at major International Trombone Festivals across Europe, the United States, and beyond, and has given masterclasses and recitals throughout Asia, Europe, North and South America. His recorded output includes six solo albums, reflecting both classical mastery and stylistic versatility, including flamenco-jazz crossover work.

Ben’s contributions to the global trombone community have been formally recognized with the International Trombone Association Award (2003) and the ITA Neill Humfeld Award (2017). He also served as President of the International Trombone Association from 2017 to 2020, one of the highest honors in the field.

At The Global Conservatory, Ben teaches intermediate through professional-level students, focusing on structured, creative, and exam-oriented instruction. His teaching emphasizes orchestral preparation, sound production, musical clarity, and long-term artistic development, informed by a lifetime at the highest professional level.

Over 40 years of professional experience as an orchestral musician, soloist, and educator.

Former bass trombonist of the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra and Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra.

University and conservatory faculty member, including the Conservatory of Amsterdam and Codarts Rotterdam.

Former President of the International Trombone Association and recipient of the 2003 ITA Award and 2017 ITA Neill Humfeld Award.

International masterclass and festival faculty, teaching in Europe, Asia, North America, and South America.

Released six solo albums, including innovative crossover projects.

Teaches intermediate to professional students, with a focus on classical repertoire, orchestral excellence, and professional preparation.

Delivers focused online private lessons, using professional audio and video setups optimized for music instruction.

Plays exclusively on Thein trombones.