Bernie has done over 40,000 private lessons teaching guitar, bass, violin, mandolin and ukulele since 1991
Guitar and virtuoso, and composer Bernard “Senchant” Birgenheier from St. Paul Minnesota was not raised in a family of musicians. His natural passion for music blossomed just at the age of five. As one of six kids, Bernie’s family showed their support for his love of music. Whether it was listening to his living room performances as a kid on Sunday after church, or supporting his high school’s band “April Fools,” his family was fascinated by his musical talents.
Later in his teens, Bernie switched focuses from April Fools and became a part of the five person group, “Love Ride Nine” granting him immediate success. Love Ride Nine presented opportunities with groups “311” and “Clutch” on national tours.
At seventeen years old, Bernie’s dreams of becoming a professional guitarist were growing closer; until tragedy struck. A bad car accident caused severe damage to Bernie’s left hand, shattering bones in his ring finger and knuckle. Despite this setback, Bernie was able to overcome his injuries and continue on with his passion – with one finger unable to bend!
Bernie and Love Ride Nine toured the midwest for seven years before deciding to relocate to Boston, Massachusetts, home of Bernie’s dream music school, Berklee College of Music. As a self taught musician, Berklee’s application led to a minor setback, as a requirement was for each applicant to have had at least four years of private music lessons.
Due to Bernie’s hardwork and success he had as a teenager, Boston College’s guitar expert Erik Kniffin agreed to work with him to strengthen his application; and it worked.
After being invited to and succeeding in several Berklee auditions and interviews, Bernie received high scores and ratings, resulting in a virtual freeride of his acceptance to the university… paying for only one semester. He began his degree(s) in the five year dual degree B.A program for disciplines of Guitar Performance and Film Score in the Fall of 1997. Berklee presented Bernie various opportunities to tour with many groups and individuals such as Sebastian Bach, Korn, Puddle of Mudd, The Wall Flowers, Halestorm, the Liz Borden Band and more.
While at Berklee, Bernie created many connections with professors and mentors that were highly impressed by his driven and curious mind, along with the intensity of his music. As a result, Professor Armand Qualliotine, a mentor of Bernie, referred to him as a “Sentient” being, creating his stage name of “Sen(t)SHunt.”
Bernie’s post-graduate years were full of just as much success. His music caught the attention of musicians all over, including the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Jane’s Addiction, Aerosmith and NIN.
In 2010, Bernie decided to move his music success in a different direction. He began sharing his knowledge of music through teaching lessons and starting a new music program. Along with a passion for music, Bernie offers his students “Free GHS strings” and “50% off Arobas Music Guitar Pro Software.”
“Anything to inspire, encourage and help a student,” is Bernie’s motto, and his passion for music grows through meeting new guitarists, no matter what stage!
Call anytime!!! 617-835-3500
Session guitarist and bassist in NYC for:
Playback Recording Studio, Santa Barbara, CA
Session guitarist and bassist in Boston for:
Emerson College Music Studio – WERS 88.9
The Next Paradigm Book & CD Project
