Welcome to Benten's Apprentice, the official website of violinist John James Garner, DipABRSM. 

You will, no doubt, be curious about the site name; Benten is a Japanese goddess of music, hence the name and title of John's first CD, recorded in Symphony Hall, Birmingham in April 2004. The CD is predominantly Spanish and Hungarian gypsy music, and includes the much loved Czardas (Monti) with an interesting opening cadenza composed by John and Timothy Beilby, his former violin teacher. John is currently continuing his studies with the famous Russian virtuoso Rimma Sushanskaya, the last student and protégée of the legendary David Oistrakh.

Whether you have found your way here deliberately or by chance, we hope that you will enjoy your visit.

Please feel free to ask any questions, or make any suggestions, regarding the site or John by using the feedback form. Should you wish to obtain a copy of John's CD, Benten's Apprentice, you will find the details and order form by clicking on the Discography tab.

Updated March 2008