Exclusive masterclasses by Benjamin Petit
Introduction
In the jazz world, pursuing two demanding careers simultaneously is a rare and admirable feat. Benjamin Petit, a professional jazz saxophonist and airline pilot, epitomizes this unique blend of passion and discipline. Through a captivating interview, Benjamin shares insights into how he manages his dual professions, the interplay between music and aviation in his life, and his creative approach to jazz composition. This blog post dives into Benjamin’s inspiring story, exploring his musical beginnings, piloting passion, artistic vision, and practical advice for aspiring musicians and professionals alike.
The Genesis of a Unique Dual Career
Early Musical Roots
Benjamin’s love for music was nurtured from childhood, growing up in a culturally rich environment. His parents, notably his father, instilled a deep appreciation for jazz. The presence of a piano in the household, inherited from his grandmother, and a collection of jazz records, notably Michael Brecker’s albums, provided the foundation for his musical journey. At age 10, captivated by the saxophone’s vibrant sound and its popularity in the 1980s, Benjamin began formal lessons, quickly developing a passion for playing in a band setting rather than focusing solely on theory.
The Aviation Dream
Parallel to music, Benjamin harbored a childhood fascination with flying. Influenced by the space exploration enthusiasm of his generation and fueled by early experiences with flight simulators on family computers, he dreamed of piloting aircraft. This passion was rationalized by Benjamin as a practical extension of his desire for adventure—piloting an airplane offered a frequent, accessible way to experience the thrill of flight compared to the rarity of space missions. His early interaction with flight simulators symbolized the moment his dream took shape, propelling him towards rigorous training and a career in aviation.
Synergy Between Music and Flying
Shared Skills and Mindsets
Benjamin reflects on how his experiences as a musician and pilot complement each other. Leadership and teamwork, essential in both domains, were first developed by coordinating his early music groups and later applied during flight operations with crews and cabin staff. The discipline and precision required in aviation have influenced his approach to music practice—Benjamin values efficiency and optimizing effort to achieve excellence, whether in mastering saxophone techniques or managing flight procedures.
Managing Dual Demands
Both professions demand continuous learning and skill refinement. Piloting requires periodic simulator training and ongoing knowledge updates to maintain certification, while musicianship demands daily practice to preserve tone, dexterity, and improvisational skills. Benjamin manages this balance by working part-time as a pilot, which provides flexibility to dedicate quality time to his music. He describes his music practice as both a source of relaxation and mental engagement, enabling him to recharge from the cognitive demands of flying.
Musical Influences and Artistic Vision
Influences and Instrument Choices
Benjamin’s saxophone journey involved experimentation with alto, tenor, and soprano saxophones. Influenced initially by Michael Brecker’s technical mastery and Kenny Garrett’s fusion style, he eventually gravitated back to the alto saxophone, encouraged by peers who recognized his unique voice on the instrument. His soprano sax playing was inspired by Branford Marsalis, particularly Marsalis’s blend of jazz and pop sensibilities.
Creative Process and Compositions
Benjamin composes primarily on the piano at home, often starting from melodic ideas recorded on his phone. His compositions evolve gradually, with melodies unfolding over time and arrangements inspired by diverse influences. He draws inspiration from cinematic composers like John Williams, crafting musical narratives that evoke characters and stories, much like film scores with distinct thematic motifs. His album projects reflect this cinematic storytelling approach, blending jazz improvisation with narrative structure.
Notable Projects and Musical Output
“Dear John”, Homage to John Williams
One of Benjamin’s notable works is the album “Dear John,” a tribute to composer John Williams. This project highlights his appreciation for film music and its emotional depth, exemplifying his skill in reinterpreting iconic themes through jazz.
“Requiem for a Nomad King” Series
Benjamin’s ambitious project, “Requiem for a Nomad King,” delves into themes of nomadism, leadership, and idealism through a fictional narrative inspired by personal and historical roots. The album’s characters and stories are embedded in the music, with influences ranging from traditional jazz to cinematic motifs. The first volume has been released, with a second volume featuring new compositions and collaborations with prominent jazz musicians anticipated soon.
Upcoming Mozart-Inspired Project: “Dear Wolfy”
Continuing his fusion of classical and jazz, Benjamin is working on another album titled “Dear Wolfy,” a jazz reinterpretation of Mozart’s works. This project showcases his versatility and respect for classical compositions, reimagined through jazz harmonies and rhythms.
The Practical Side: Balancing Time and Demands
Time Management Strategies
Benjamin emphasizes the importance of structuring practice and work time efficiently. His pilot schedule allows for recovery days between flights, which he uses productively for music practice. Even during layovers in foreign cities, Benjamin dedicates hours to working on his saxophone, often transforming hotel conference rooms into temporary practice studios.
Coping with Fatigue and Maintaining Progress
Recognizing the physical and mental demands of both careers, Benjamin adapts his practice routine based on his energy levels. On fatigued days, he focuses on maintenance exercises or composition work on his computer rather than intensive playing. This flexible approach helps sustain long-term development and prevents burnout.
Insights and Advice for Aspiring Musicians and Professionals
Pursuing Multiple Passions
Benjamin advises young artists hesitant about choosing between music and other careers to remain committed to their passion, even if it’s not their primary profession. He stresses that it is possible to nurture music alongside other occupations, provided there is realism about the time and energy each demands.
The Importance of Flexibility
He highlights that some professions offer more flexibility than others in accommodating artistic pursuits. For example, part-time or freelance work can facilitate a balanced lifestyle, whereas full-time demanding roles may make consistent music practice more challenging.
Embracing Lifelong Learning
Benjamin’s story underscores the necessity of continuous learning and adaptation in both music and aviation. He encourages emerging artists to embrace the iterative, sometimes painful, process of creativity and skill-building, understanding that excellence is a lifelong journey.
Conclusion
Benjamin’s remarkable dual career as a jazz saxophonist and airline pilot challenges conventional notions of specialization and success. His story is a testament to how passion, discipline, and smart time management can enable one to excel in seemingly unrelated fields. Beyond inspiring musicians and professionals, Benjamin’s journey offers valuable lessons about integrating diverse interests, nurturing creativity, and maintaining resilience in pursuit of one’s dreams.
Additional Resources
- Follow Benjamin’s music and updates on Instagram and YouTube for the latest releases and live sessions.
- Explore his albums “Dear John,” “Requiem for Nomad King” Volumes 1 & 2, and upcoming “Dear Wolfy” for a taste of his innovative jazz style.
- Stay tuned on Jazz Videos Lessons website for his jazz masterclass sessions, where he deep dives into his compositions and musical techniques.
