Teacher Spotlight: Meet Benny Tilchin!
At Rock-a-Baby, our classes come to life through the passion, creativity, and joyful energy of our amazing performers. Today, we’re thrilled to introduce you to someone who brings his whole heart—and a whole lot of musical magic—to every session. Say hello to Benny Tilchin, a beloved member of the Rock-a-Baby family!
Meet Benny!
What’s your name?
Benny Tilchin
What’s your role at Rock-a-Baby?
Teacher, musician, puppeteer (and all-around awesome human!)
Tell us about your musical background:
With over 30 years of experience as a performing singer, guitarist, and banjoist, Benny’s musical journey has covered everything from Rock and Pop to Jazz and beyond. He’s also a composer, producer, and sound engineer, making him a true all-around pro!
Musical Joy in the Classroom
What drew you to working with young children and families?
Before joining Rock-a-Baby, Benny didn’t have experience working with young children—but when Marc recruited him, he jumped at the opportunity. And he’s never looked back!
“It immediately felt really great. It continues to be one of the most wonderful and fulfilling musical endeavors of my life.”
What’s your favorite children’s song to sing or play?
Benny chose a classic: “Down by the Bay.”
“It really speaks to my identity as a Rhode Islander—except for the part about the watermelons, which are not an ideal crop for the New England climate. Additionally, while my mother has never shied away from amusing me with silly animal rhymes, it always encourages an eagerness, and not hesitation, to go back to my home. Nonetheless, being near the bay is extremely relatable to my personal experience.”
He loves how this song invites interaction and silliness from both bandmates and kids. And the best part? The spontaneity and laughter it brings to every class.
Do you have a favorite Rock-a-Baby original song or puppet character?
Benny’s a big fan of the Hello Song.
“I would gladly sing and play that for hours—maybe even days—if there were enough people to greet!”
How do you prepare for a class or performance?
Every great show starts with a tune-up! Benny makes sure his guitar is ready to go and loves jamming along with the background music.
“The real fun starts when we all count to four!”
What musical memory from childhood still inspires you today?
“Watching Dirty Dancing over and over again. As a six year old, the plot was mostly beyond my interest and understanding, but the music and dancing really excited me. I still love it. ”
Why We Love Benny
Benny brings a beautiful balance of professionalism, musicality, and pure joy to every Rock-a-Baby class. His quick wit and heartfelt performances connect with children and grownups alike—reminding all of us that music is for everyone.
He might tell you he’s just tuning his guitar, but when Benny picks up an instrument, he’s also tuning into the energy of the room—creating those little musical moments that feel absolutely unforgettable.
Catch Benny in Action
Want to see Benny (and maybe sing along with the Hello Song yourself)? Come join one of our classes and experience the magic firsthand. We’re so lucky to have him in the Rock-a-Baby family—and we know you’ll love him too.