Gillece has shared his knowledge of the vibes, percussion, and jazz for over a decade. As an endorsing artist and clinician for Malletech, he has presented numerous lectures and workshops at schools and universities throughout the world. He is a faculty member at Rowan University and New Jersey City University where he teaches vibraphone, music theory and jazz ensembles. In addition to his work in schools, he has contributed over 700 lessons and videos to educational websites. The most notable of these is a web-based teaching forum called vibesworkshop.com, where he has developed an international following and reputation as a leading jazz educator. His commitment to helping students learn goes beyond the walls, boundaries, and time parameters of the classroom. He strives to help everyone reach their full potential. Here's what a few people have said:

I've been studying jazz on the vibes off and on for a while. I've been studying with Behn since summer of '20, and am making the best progress I've made so far. Behn's knowledge of jazz theory and repertoire is deep and wide, but his approach in teaching is always pragmatic and focused on where you are at right now, and what you need to know to take your next steps with the instrument. He is also an active performer, composer, and recording artist, which gives him great insight into what material is most likely to be useful to a working musician. Behn's a great teacher for beginners and experienced players alike.

Russell Lane, Boston MA

The past few months, I've worked intensely on Behn’s lessons, and this week was a highlight working very closely with him. It was a highlight, but certainly not an ending. Even more, a new beginning for me.
Behn woke me up concerning scales. I know them, but have been passive and neglected them. I just worked with chord tones; but he made me see what I’ve been missing because of it. I've been thinking about it for the last 2 days now, and more and more, I see everything concerning music playing completely different. Like he opened a door, and there is an entire new world. Like I've been sailing the local ponds, and suddenly know the direction to the canals and oceans. I feel for the 1st time that I understand how music is built.

Stefan Vandenberg
Mechelen, Antwerp, Belgium

Working with Behn is like having access to a superb translator of a difficult language. Behn can distill often complex jazz theory into practical application and prepare effective exercises to help me "get it". He listens well and explains clearly. The fact that Behn is a successful working jazz musician doesn't hurt either.

Spike Schonthal
Chicago, IL

Behn is a great player and really understands jazz music theory and its application to the vibraphone. Since I live in Virginia, we use Skype for lessons. With Skype’s audio and video features, I can hear and see Behn and his vibes and he sees a similar image of me and my instrument. It was clear  after the first lesson that this technology was going to be a great advantage for improving my playing with Behn’s help.

Ed De Gennaro
Richmond, VA


If you are interested in taking a lesson with Behn, please fill out the contact form on the site. Private lessons can either be arranged in person, or online via Zoom/WebEx. All lessons come with the added benefit of "outside the lesson" materials, which include pdf handouts, and email follow-ups. Broader lessons focusing on jazz concepts and theory are offered on all instruments and span all levels. Behn is also available for clinics & masterclasses.