Björn Wennås

Guitar
Björn Wennås

Björn Wennås

Teaching Philosophy

Having taught the guitar for many years, I have come to realize what works in the teacher/student relationship and how to individualize my approach for each student. I want to get my students excited about the guitar and about music in general. I aim to have them discover the beauty of the sound, the range of tone and expression the instrument is capable of, while also focusing on technique and reading. The guitar is tremendously versatile, but also challenging and requires both practice and often employing multiple approaches before a student begins to gain true familiarity with the instrument. In teaching students of all ages and backgrounds, I recognize the importance of finding the music and style that resonates with each student, and inspires each to achieve his or her goals.

Teaching Biography

Björn Wennas holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Uppsala University in Musicology and Anthropology, a Diploma in Music from Berklee College of Music, and a Masters of Music from Longy School of Music. He has broad experience teaching students of all ages and levels, from very young beginners to adults. He moved to the United States from his Native Sweden in 1999, and has since served on the guitar faculties of the Sharon Music Academy, Concord Conservatory, and Music Maker School, among others. His teaching has encompassed not only private instruction in guitar, but also songwriting classes and ensemble coaching in a wide variety of genres.

Performance Biography

Boston-based guitarist and composer Björn Wennås is an active musician in Boston and the surrounding area. He is currently the Music Director for Newpoli, a Boston-based Italian world/folk ensemble, and co-leads BC Quintet, together with Carmen Marsico, featuring original compositions drawing inspiration from rock and jazz traditions, contemporary music, and traditional music of Sweden and Italy. Björn made his debut on stage at the age of 12 with the Flamenco group Los Dos Jovenes, led by acclaimed guitarist and educator Miroslav Simic. Björn eventually developed an interest in jazz and went on to play guitar in several big bands and smaller ensembles. He is busy as a classical guitarist as well, and performs both solo and in chamber settings. Björn is one of the few guitarists outside of Italy to play the traditional southern Italian ten-string instrument, the chitarra battente. He was nominated in 2004 for the Just Plain Folk’s Award for best jazz vocal composition, and his quintet was selected to perform at the first annual New Music Festival in Boston, celebrating innovative composers. He was a finalist in the International Massimo Urbani Award 2005, a jazz soloist competition in Camerino, Italy.

Education

B.A. Uppsala University, Sweden; Diploma in Professional Music, Berklee; M.M., Longy School of Music

Contact Us

Brookline Music School is a nonprofit organization that has provided excellence in music education to the Greater Boston community since 1924. We rely on the generous support of our donors to benefit the community through music.

Brookline Music School welcomes students of all ages. Enrollment is open year-round so students may begin private lesson study at any time. Join us!


Regular Hours

Monday to Friday: 9 am to 9 pm
Saturday and Sunday: 8 am to 7 pm

See the Lessons & Classes or Early Childhood calendars for holiday schedules including flex days, make-up days and closures.