Ben Krakauer

I am a banjo player, composer, and ethnomusicologist. I've written about South Asian and bluegrass music, and perform original music at the intersection of bluegrass and jazz. My current book project is an ethnographic case study exploring lifelong learning and motivation within my own community of vernacular string musicians.

I hold a Ph.D. in ethnomusicology from the University of Texas at Austin and currently teach music and writing at Temple University, Bryn Mawr College, and elsewhere in Philadelphia. Before relocating to Philly in May 2025, I served as Assistant Professor and Chair of the Music Program at Warren Wilson College. Listen to my 2023 album Hidden Animals here and my 2019 album Heart Lake here.