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 in Glenside, PA, where he provides expert instruction to students of all ages, including children as young as three.
Dr. Ben’s Credentials & Expertise
• Bachelor of Music in Guitar from the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University
• Master of Music and Doctor of Music in Guitar from Florida State University
• A graduate certificate in Music Education from Florida State University
• Complete Suzuki training (The only guitarist in North America with a doctorate in guitar and full Suzuki training.
• Over 12,000 lessons taught.
• Teaching experience at two universities.
• Invited around the country to teach at festivals and universities.
• Top prizes in dozens of competitions around the country.
• Completed all nine Suzuki Guitar books.
• Been accepted to top music programs like the New England Conservatory of Music and Brevard Summer Festival.
• Won auditions for All-State and All-National guitar ensembles (2018, 2020, 2023, 2025).
• Top scores at Solo and Ensemble Festival.
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 that come with 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 learning to play the guitar, children develop the skills to become problem solvers and find their unique voice.
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.