INTERVIEW ON THE PRICE OF BUSINESS SHOW, MEDIA PARTNER OF THIS SITE.
Recently Kevin Price, Host of the nationally syndicated Price of Business Show, welcomed Benjamin “BENCASSO” Barnes to provide another commentary in a series.
The Benjamin “BENCASSO” Barnes Commentaries
In this Coaches Corner, Benjamin Barnes (aka Bencasso) shares how he built his 501(c)(3), Culture Scholar Corporation, from the ground up and how a single retirement home gig snowballed into multiple paid programs and concerts at Ivy Living facilities across San
Francisco. With humor, heart, and hard-earned lessons, he talks about mental health outreach, the power of networking, and the magic of showing up with a violin… and a brochure.
So how do you start a nonprofit like mine? First, I filed for 501(c)(3) status. Sounds easy, but it’s like assembling IKEA furniture with legal language. But once I nailed down the mission—bringing arts to underserved communities, especially through music for mental health—it all came together. Then came the EIN, the bylaws, the board of directors, the bank account, the whole alphabet soup.
Let me tell you how that mission turned into real-world impact. Every week, I’ve been going to Citywide Mental Health Clinic, hauling my viola and playing music in their rec room. And every week, something shifts in the room—eyes lift, shoulders relax. Music heals in ways that medicine can’t always touch. That’s Music for Mental Health in action.
Now, let’s talk about how I got into Ivyliving.com’s three San Francisco locations: Ivy Park at Cathedral Hill, Ivy Park at Golden Gate, and The Carlisle. (Yes, that’s the actual name. Ivy went full Beyoncé on that one.)
It started with a random lead on Gigsalad, where I’d listed myself for private gigs. I landed one at Cathedral Hill, played some jazz standards and a little Bach, and boom—I was in. The staff loved it. I stayed in touch. (Here’s a tip: always stay in touch. Networking is a nonprofit’s best friend.)
I chatted up Rachel, one of the staff members, and told her about my nonprofit and the Music for Mental Health initiative. She says, “Let’s do lunch.” Suddenly I’m in a senior residence cafeteria with a PowerPoint, a stack of brochures, and my Treasurer—who’s never turned down a free meal in his life.
We pitched it like Shark Tank: music appreciation classes, live performances, therapeutic impact, the whole shebang. The treasurer says, “We take requests, but no Nickelback.” The room laughs. Deal sealed.
We landed three sets of 6-week music appreciation courses at all three Ivy Parks, plus concerts. Seniors clapped, whistled, cried, told me their grandkids used to play violin—and one even offered to marry me. (I’m flattered, Marge. Truly.)
That one gig led to paid recurring work that aligns with our mission and proves that if you show up, be sincere, and bring a brochure, you can build something amazing.
Bottom line: Networking isn’t optional. It’s the lifeblood of nonprofit work. Every gig, every follow-up, every “let’s grab lunch”—they matter.
And bring your board members. Preferably the ones who dress nice and don’t mind cafeteria meatloaf.
🎨 About Benjamin Barnes aka Bencasso & The Coaches Corner:
Benjamin Barnes, also known as Bencasso, is a violinist, singer-songwriter, painter, educator, nonprofit founder, and full-time creative force. After surviving a near-fatal train accident, he built Culture Scholar Corporation, a 501(c)(3) dedicated to bringing arts to underrepresented populations—especially through the healing power of music.
As host of The Coaches Corner, Benjamin gives practical advice to artistpreneurs trying to turn passion into profession. His blend of humor, heart, and hustle makes him a trusted voice for those navigating the creative hustle.
Tune in, get inspired, and go make your dreams tax-deductible.
Let me know if you’d like help turning this into a blog post, social media carousel, podcast script, or video voiceover!
Music in the Background: Benjamin Barnes aka Bencasso Album: “Year of the Dog Song” “Tea Pot Jam”
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/5IgZ9v6Q9MlbcL3T3ynoJX? si=54651ed2c7194e82
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/tea-pot-jam/1608707576? i=1608707579
Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/albums/B09S5V1ZYY? marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER&musicTerritory=US&ref=dm_sh_4UdL8iX948J3eLJk9 OSppAFDc&trackAsin=B09S5HQ8M7
Don’t forget to pick up your copy of Ben’s autobiography “Loosened Associations Jazz: Automemoirography of Music, Mischief and Madness” https://a.co/d/9JBJWTl
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