Benjamin Buergel

BENJAMIN BUERGEL

Oboist

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Benjamin Joseph Buergel, DMA

Biography

Dr. Benjamin Buergel is an advocate of electro-acoustic music for oboe having performed electronic music recitals at a number of venues and universities. As a teacher, he taught at Auburn University and has given reed-making workshops, lectures, masterclasses, and recitals at conferences and college campuses across the country. As an ensemble performer, Ben has played in such venues as Carnegie Hall, Kansas City’s Kauffman Center, and Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis. He has performed on numerous recordings, including a winner of a Global Music Award.

A native of Saint Paul, Minnesota, Ben started studying oboe at the age of 9. He earned his Doctor of Musical Arts and Master of Music degrees from Michigan State University and earned his Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Denver.

YouTube Channel SoundCloud

Teaching

At the core of Dr. Buergel’s teaching philosophy is independence. Fundamentally, his teaching method is to expand what the student thinks is possible, train them to recreate the successful performance, and package the new concept in a form that can be applied to all other music. This methodical approach applies to everything from phrasing, tone production, reed-making, and ensemble skills, to adjusting and maintaining one’s own instrument. Lessons may cover particular repertoire and etudes, but the goal is not to learn a specific set of pieces. The goal is to help the student build technique, expand musicality, and raise standards so that they may become their own musician and play any desired piece of music to their own highest standard.

Ben teaches all ages and skill levels from 6th grade on up. To inquire about lessons, please use the contact form at the bottom of the page.

2018 - 2019

Auburn University

Interim Instructor of Oboe

August 2013 - May 2016

Michigan State University

Teaching Assistant

November 2012 - May 2018

Grand Ledge Schools

Oboe instructor, grades 6-12

September 2015 - December 2016

Spartan Youth Wind Symphony

Section and chamber music coach

June - July 2012

Lamont Summer Academy

Counselor, section and chamber music coach

Research

Ben has many varied research interests including chamber music, electro-acoustic music, pedagogy, and music theory. Following is a list of his presented lectures, workshops, and publications.