Benjamin Cousins is a contemporary clarinetist and composer hailing from New Orleans, Louisiana. He began honing his craft at the age of 14, immersing himself in the rich lineage of improvised music for which New Orleans is historically renowned for producing. Before pursuing formal training, Cousins built a strong foundation through community-based nonprofit programs and by sitting in with local musicians—experiences that exposed him to the diverse cultural influences that shape the New Orleans sound.

 

As a young musician, he became a member of the Preservation Hall Jr. Jazz Band, where he developed his warm, woody tone, drawing particular inspiration from clarinetist Sidney Bechet. His formal education began at the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA), where he discovered a deep passion for the work of contemporary clarinetist Alvin Batiste.

 

Cousins’ commitment to his craft earned him a scholarship to Berklee College of Music, where he cultivated his voice as both an instrumentalist and a composer. During his time at Berklee, he released two singles—“Fly” and “Time Lapse”—which explored a blend of electronic and acoustic elements. He later earned his Master’s degree at Temple University, where he refined his improvisational language and further developed his compositional voice, solidifying his distinctive presence on the clarinet.

 

Now based in New Orleans, Cousins continues to captivate audiences with his band, The Sonic Architects. Their debut album, What We Dream It to Be, is set for release in January 2026. In 2025, the project received support from the Community Partnership Grant from the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation—further affirming Cousins’ role in carrying forward the vibrant legacy of contemporary music emerging from the city.

 

Over the years, Cousins has studied under a number of master musicians, including Edward “Kidd” Jordan, Evan Christopher, Gregory Agid, NEA Jazz Master Donald Harrison Jr., George Garzone, Kenny Werner, Harry Skoler, and Tim Warfield, integrating their lessons as constant navigators in his artistic process.

 

Benjamin Cousins is an endorsed artist with Selmer Paris.