Bass Lessons in Rolling Hills Estates, CA

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Synthesizer Ukulele Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My musical journey started at the age of 8. I took classical piano lessons for about 5 to 6 years and during that time, I learned about the fundamentals and building blocks of music theory as well as how to read, sight-read, and transpose music. My love for music though began when I picked up the guitar at age 13. I had always naturally gravitated towards the guitar because of its portability (compared to the piano) as well as the full sound it was able to yield despite being a smaller instrument coupled with the fact that there are some many interesting styles and ways to play it. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Synthesizer Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have been teaching not only music but other subjects such as computer science, mathematics, English, and social studies since I was in high school. I have served as a teaching assistant through graduate school and have taught in both private and classroom settings. I am comfortable with all ages. My goal is to balance a musical education with other elements such as self-confidence, focus, concentration, and of course fun! Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer Harp Accordion Harmonica Lap Steel Guitar Banjo Ukulele Mandolin Recorder Lute Electric Violin Fiddle Double Bass Euphonium French Horn Tuba Piccolo Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Shakuhachi Oboe Bassoon English Horn Conga Latin Percussion Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Most recently Derek was the lead trombonist of the 2018 Disneyland All-American College Band. He has recently performed with Wayne Bergeron, Gordon Goodwin, Dave Holland, Randy Brecker, Dave Liebman, Jimmy Heath, Shaun Martin, Christian Jacob, John Beasley, Troy Roberts, Frank Greene, Brian Lynch, Jeff Jarvis, Steve Houghton, Jiggs Whigham, Sal Lozano, and John Clayton. Derek has had recent performances at Dizzys Club Coca-Cola, the Smithsonian Institute, and the New World Symphony. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Violin Bass Guitar Electric Violin Acoustic Guitar

Classes are customized per the student's individual needs. For some students, this means a standard repertoire: Schradiek, Scevcik, Hrimaly for violin. Hanon for piano. But for others, they would do better with a less formal approach. In all cases, the use of the ear is fundamental and primal. We will learn how to hear, and how to listen for timbres and intervals. (Basic interval training will be a part of everyone's lesson, as there's really no way around that.) Some students are intimidated by the classical repertoire, and the demands the classical tradition places on musicians. Read More

Instruments: Trombone Bass Guitar Euphonium

I have been teaching Trombone and Bass to students of all ages for over 15 years and still love giving students the tools and technique to progress and achieve their goals as musicians. Seeing the moment it "clicks" for a student and watching them improve as players and the change that makes in their own image and self confidence is one of the most satisfying aspects of teaching music. My professional career has taken me around the world and allowed me to do and see things I never would have dreamed. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Acoustic Guitar

This helps ensure that the student can thrive musically and in life. Also I do a lot of "visualizing" while teaching my students. Often, if they are struggling, I'll tell them to say something like, "I can do it" aloud a few times. I also have them close their eyes and really listen to me playing so they can visualize what it's like to play the chord or song before they even start to actually play. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Drums Bass Guitar Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

At the heart of my teaching style is a balance between understanding concepts, developing technique, and applying everything in a practical, musical way. Technique and theory are essential, but they should serve expression not limit it. What we learn should ultimately help us communicate and create freely. For example, while we might spend time practicing the C major scale on the piano to understand its structure and build familiarity, the next step is bringing it to life. Read More