Kenneth Bender, Classical Guitarist

Kenneth Bender is classical guitar performer  and teacher native to San Diego and has been practicing his art for nearly twenty years. Beginning at the age of fourteen, Kenneth enrolled in his local college where he started pursuing and refining his technique. Later, he enrolled in Pepperdine University and started his studies with the esteemed virtuoso, Christopher Parkening, where he learned showmanship, musicianship and a wide variety of tonal colors.

Since then, Kenneth has continued his lifelong study of the guitar with Maestro Pepe Romero, participating in masterclass and workshops including the Celedonio Romero Guitar Institute in Oklahoma City,  the Pepe Romero Guitar Festival in Granada, and in private masterclasses hosted at his son’s (Pepe Romero Jr.) Luthier shop in Oceanside, California. Since then, Kenneth has been fortunate to be able to spend countless hours personally with Pepe Romero, honing his expressiveness and power on the guitar.  

Kenneth regularly performs solo works, in small chamber ensembles and with larger guitar orchestras.  Kenneth was first introduced to ensemble playing with the Encinitas Guitar Orchestra (about 35 guitarists strong) when he was eight years old and has been involved with the group as a section leader continuously since then, teaching and coaching the players to perform at a higher level. 

Kenneth has also performed multiple live accompaniments with the San Diego Dance Theatre’s Live Arts Festival, including debuting Cecily Holocomb’s choreographed arrangement “Holding Pattern” using a modern interpretation of Domeniconi’s “Koyunbaba”.

Kenneth also enjoys teaching students of all ages and skill levels. In his own private practice, Kenneth strives to share his passion, interest and intensity with all those he works with, with the intent of expanding the art, joy and community of music. 

The HCC Guitar Series provides an opportunity for our community to experience the artistry of world-class musicians right here at Dale Mabry Campus.  

Sponsored by the campus Student Government Association, the series has been fortunate to host classical guitarists including Pepe Romero, Jason Vieaux, members of the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet, Jorge Caballero, Beijing Duo, SoloDuo and Carlos Barbosa-Lima. The series also includes the first prize winner of the annual Guitar Foundation of America’s International Competition, along with other talented performers whose classical guitar careers are ascending.