Benjamin Kunkel
Guitar lessons tailored to the needs of each student, designed to help you progress and reach your goals as a guitarist and musician.
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Guitar lessons - Benjamin Kunkel
Bachelors degree
/ 30 min
Benjamin - Know your guitar teacher
My name is Benjamin Kunkel, I am a professional classical guitarist and music educator. I hold a master’s and bachelor’s degree in guitar performance, and have over 15 years of teaching experience. I am an active solo and chamber musician, and have performed concerts across the United States, Europe and China. I have been a member of the acclaimed Minneapolis Guitar Quartet since 2014, with whom I have toured extensively, recorded a CD, and taught numerous workshops and masterclasses. I have performed in many other ensembles, including a guitar duo with my wife. While my specialty as a performer is classical guitar, I also have years of experience playing and teaching many other styles of music, including jazz, rock, blues, folk, and fingerstyle. As an educator, I have taught guitar and music at many schools, and am passionate about teaching students of all ages and abilities. So whether a complete beginner, or an experienced guitarist who wants to push your playing to the next level, I'm excited to work together!
Benjamin graduated from University of Minnesota
Your guitar teacher expertise
Strumming and Picking Techniques
Fingerstyle
Music theory
Guitar for beginners
Guitar Techniques
Guitar lessons quick guide
I offer engaging guitar lessons to students of all ages and ability levels. My lessons are focused on you, and I love finding the music and approach that works for each individual student, always in a relaxed and positive environment. I have taught students of all kinds, from young beginners to college students, aspiring professionals to older adults. My online teaching focuses on building sound technique and musicianship from the beginning, no matter what style of music you are interested in. I strongly believe that a good foundation is key to a student’s success, and I prioritize building good habits (and avoiding bad ones!) while applying them to music you’re excited about. Whatever your background and ability level, I approach our lessons with your goals in mind. I tailor my approach to your needs and interests, building confidence, creativity and fun!
Guitar concept taught by Benjamin
The Student and Tutor discussed music theory, covering major scales, circle of fifths, and chord construction. The Student practiced identifying notes within keys and building triads based on the major scale pattern. The tutor assigned exercises involving the circle of fifths, identifying notes in different keys, and learning the first shape of the major and minor pentatonic scales for improvisation.
Major Scales: Whole and Half Step Pattern
Circle of Fifths (Fourths) and Key Signatures
Chord Construction: Triads
Major and Minor Chords: The Third
Chord Progressions: Number System (Nashville Numbers)
Scale Shapes on Guitar: Movable Patterns
The student played a previously learned piece and received feedback on rhythm and technique. The Tutor then introduced a new piece, explaining its structure, fingering, and transitions and the importance of bass lines. The lesson concluded with a discussion of classical guitar posture and positioning and some tips to put in place.
Nylon String Guitar
Classical Guitar Positioning
Fingering and Chord Transitions
Chord Chart Interpretation
Right Hand Technique
Practicing Techniques
The Student and Tutor worked on guitar techniques, focusing on playing single-note melodies and improving both left and right-hand positioning. The Student practiced "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" and began learning "Ode to Joy." The homework includes practicing the discussed techniques and focusing on accuracy and smooth transitions.
Preparation and Thinking Ahead
Fret Placement and Buzzing
Left Hand Thumb Position
Alternating Down and Up Strokes
Pick Angle and Amount Showing
Right Hand Wrist Positioning
The student and tutor worked on refining a guitar piece, concentrating on chord transitions, finger placement techniques, and right-hand positioning. The student practiced specific chord progressions and experimented with different fingering approaches to enhance dexterity. The tutor suggested focusing on consistent practice and right-hand exercises to further improve overall technique and fluidity.
Fingering Technique: Prioritizing Finger Order
Practicing Transitions: Slow Motion and Expansion/Contraction
Right-Hand Planting Technique and Finger Angle
Chord Setup: Finger Placement Priorities
Nail Length and Shape Considerations
The student and tutor reviewed scales, chord construction, and the relationship between chords and major scales. The student practiced scale patterns and chord identification in different keys. As a follow-up, the student was assigned to review the music theory packet and practice identifying chords in various keys.
Major Scale Patterns on Guitar
Building Chords from the Major Scale
Major and Minor Chord Pattern
Identifying Chord Tones
Major vs. Minor Thirds
Practical Application of Chord Knowledge
The session involved learning and practicing A minor and E minor guitar chords, focusing on finger placement, strumming techniques, and reading chord charts. The Student also began learning to read guitar tabs with the song "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star." The Student was advised to practice consistently and prioritize accuracy over speed when learning new chords and songs.
Basic Chord Finger Placement
A Minor and E Minor Chords
Reading Chord Charts
Guitar Posture and Hand Positioning
Importance of Strumming Technique
Tablature (TAB) for Single Notes
Types of guitar lessons
Guitar
Acoustic Guitar
Electric Guitar
Classical Guitar
Learner for guitar lessons
Guitar for advanced
Guitar for kids
Guitar for intermediate
Guitar for beginners
Guitar for adults
Engaging guitar lessons
Record lessons
Chat for quick help
Mobile joining
Note taking
Weekend lessons
Learning tools used in guitar classes
Chord Diagram Apps
Guitar Tuner Apps
Metronome Apps
PDF Sheet Music
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Every tutor is interviewed and selected for subject expertise and teaching skill.
