Ben Woolman: Fingerstyle Guitarist

My regular teaching schedule is currently full, but I do have limited availability for online lessons. 

Please send me a message for rates and times.

My teaching method

I’m happy to work with students at all levels - from those just beginning to explore fingerstyle guitar (picking patterns, chord melody, alternate tunings and more) to advanced players developing original compositions, arrangements and studying some of today’s most challenging and exciting fingerstyle repertoire.

My teaching method is rooted in a deep understanding of where fingerstyle guitar comes from - blues, folk, Hawaiian slack‑key, Celtic, American roots, modern percussive styles and more. I use that history as a practical way to show students why things sound the way they do and how to apply those ideas in their own playing. We typically explore a wide range of fingerstyle repertoire across genres before ultimately zeroing in on a musical direction tailored to each student’s development.

It’s a music‑first approach with thoughtful technical development, resulting in engaging, personalized lesson plans built around each student’s interests. Over the years, I’ve built a strong record of helping students exceed their goals and grow beyond their perceived limitations.

In-person lessons

In-person, one-on-one lessons are taught at my home studio in St. Paul, MN. 
 

Online lessons

Online, video lessons are taught via Google Meet or Zoom. 

Student testimonials

"Ben was able to take my basic skills and start me right away with some interesting finger-style pieces. After a year of lessons I am amazed at how much great music I've learned to play. Ben layers the skill development so well from one piece to the next so that you don't really notice how much and how steadily you are improving. You just think you're playing great music."

- Tom Clark (student)

"After nearly 30 years of letting my guitar gather dust in the basement, Ben helped bring back the joy of playing and provides an environment that gives me a lot of incentive to work and to grow in the types of music I play.  Taking lessons from a professional musician is a rare opportunity and privilege.  Ben has been great to work with and is constantly introducing me to new music, new musicians and new styles that are continuously challenging and interesting. I’m enjoying music more now than I ever have."

- Dan Cullen (student)