
About
Who am I... that's a question...
Guan Mengbo, also known as Ben Guan, is a 22-year-old contemporary singer-songwriter from China, whose musical journey has taken him on a captivating path of self-discovery. In 2020, Ben marked a significant milestone by releasing his debut EP, "Old Fashioned," which featured fresh interpretations of classic songs, including "Over the Rainbow," "How Deep is Your Love," and "Bewitched (Bothered and Bewildered)."
He began his musical education with classical voice training at the age of 8 under the guidance of Yiyuan Xu, a respected voice professor at the Shanghai Music School, earning his 10th-grade certificate as a classical baritone.
At the age of 16, Ben attended an educational camp at Berklee College of Music, where he found himself drawn to the world of contemporary music. This genre's creative freedom and emotional depth resonated with him, inspiring a shift in his musical direction.
Embracing contemporary music presented its challenges, but with determination and passion, Ben sought guidance from Bill Royal Wesley, a seasoned songwriter. Bill became both a mentor and collaborator, helping Ben refine his skills as a performer and composer.
Ben's journey also included self-teaching piano and securing a weekly performance slot at the prestigious Intercontinental Hotel Shenzhen, where his repertoire expanded significantly over time.
In 2019, Ben held his solo concert, "On My Mind," featuring a diverse repertoire that showcased his musical versatility, including original compositions.
Ben continued his pursuit of musical knowledge in the United States, with acceptances from various prestigious institutions. Ultimately, he chose the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University as a computer music composer to explore diverse musical styles.
Currently based in Baltimore, he is immersing himself in the world of Computer Music while pursuing minors in Psychology and Marketing, all while working on his upcoming original EP. Ben's journey is a testament to the power of music and his unwavering commitment to artistic exploration in the contemporary music landscape.