Dr. Ben Lougheed is a nationally recognized guitar instructor who specializes in teaching young students. He is on faculty at Temple Music Preparatory and runs Dr. Ben’s Guitar Academy, where he provides expert instruction to students of all ages, including children as young as three. He is the only guitarist in the world to hold both a Doctor of Music degree and complete all nine Suzuki book certifications, reflecting his deep commitment to both performance and pedagogy.
Dr. Ben’s students have earned placements in the All-State and All-National guitar ensembles and won top prizes at dozens of competitions across the country. In 2023, his advanced ensemble was selected to perform at Florida State University as part of the Florida Guitar Festival. Furthermore, he has guided many students through all nine volumes of the Suzuki Guitar Repertoire and had students accepted to top music programs like the New England Conservatory and UC Boulder, as well as the prestigious Brevard Music Center Summer Festival.
Dr. Ben taught for over a decade in Tallahassee, FL, where he helped establish and lead the North Florida Suzuki School. He also taught at Florida State University and Pensacola State College, as well as helped found the Lessons Academy at Leon High School to provide private lessons for their high-achieving guitar students. His reputation for excellence has led to invitations to teach across the U.S, including visits to Washington D.C, Utah, Michigan, Colorado, Florida, Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Massachusetts.
As a performer, Dr. Ben has captivated audiences nationwide with his artistry, performing at the Interlochen Arts Academy, Utah Classical Guitar, Kerrytown Concert House, and more. He has been praised by presenters for his “virtuosic technique,” “delicate interpretation,” and “high level of artistry.” His debut album, Baroque Legacies, has been praised as “an inspiration,” “technically superb,” and “emotionally delicious from start to finish.”
Dr. Ben holds a Bachelor of Music in guitar performance from the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University. He completed his Master of Music and Doctor of Music degrees at Florida State University, where he served as a teaching assistant to the legendary pedagogue Bruce Holzman while earning a graduate certificate in Music Education and Leadership. His extensive Suzuki training includes studies with Bill Kossler, Marylou Roberts, and David Madsen, among others.
Dr. Ben’s Teaching Philosophy
I began my musical journey as a Suzuki student at the age of five, so I know firsthand the joy and excitement of learning to play an instrument. My teaching approach focuses not only on classical guitar technique and musicianship but also on fostering self-efficacy and a growth mindset. Through guitar, children learn to become problem solvers and develop their own unique voices.
Starting as young as age 3, children learn alongside their parents. While these lessons are more intensive than others, the benefits to both the child and their relationship with their parent are long-lasting and significant.
While Suzuki is an excellent method for teaching music, its greatest strength is its humanist focus. It helps develop not just good musicians but well-rounded individuals. One key lesson for both students and parents is to celebrate small accomplishments. Learning an instrument is a long journey, so I ensure we recognize and applaud the little victories. This helps create a positive learning environment, motivates students, and builds their confidence as they learn to enjoy the process, not just the result.
I also emphasize building a community through music with recitals, group classes, and community performances each semester. Though my students have won numerous prizes, the most important thing to me is that they’ve become hard-working individuals with a genuine love for music, guitar, and learning.