Saxophone Lessons in Windsor Hills, CA

Instruments: Saxophone

My teaching methods varies depending on the level of the student. If the student is a beginner I'll first try to give him an understanding of how the instrument work, how to have a proper sound and how to memorize the fingerings of the notes. After that I will start introducing classical etudes books to make the student more familiar with the technical aspect of performing and classical / contemporary repertoire appropriate to their level. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

Listening is the most important thing. If you don't know how your instrument sounds and how the great masters sounded when playing it, you will never develop a sound. So I highly encourage all my students to constantly listen to music and understand a little bit of the history and legacy behind their instrument. This way, they will understand where they are coming from, and where to go Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

I'm a motivated teacher who really takes interest in my students and their development. Growing up, I always excelled in the arts but never had the opportunity to hone my skills with private lessons. That's why I treat each session with care and take education very seriously. In high school, I took an interest in composing and jazz improvisation. I was able to use those skills to obtain scholarships for University and continued to grow musically. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Flute Bass Guitar Music Keyboard

As a teacher I can help you grow your abilities on your instrument. Help you achieve the cool warm sound you want from the saxophone. Help you get the dexterity on the instrument you need. And get a more broad understanding of how music is played and created. Throughout my career since I was 16 years old I have taught children, teenagers and adults from beginners to advanced levels. I hold a Masters degree in jazz, composition and teaching from The Rhytmic Music Conservatory in Copenhagen and have also taught several courses there and at other distinguished music conservatories. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet

With beginning students, I start with the fundamentals of the instrument, including embouchure and finger technique, as well as the ability to breathe properly, which is fundamental to playing any wind instrument.  I also introduce beginning students to basic musical concepts, such as reading music, and tailor the musical selection to their tastes or to whatever group they are playing in, most often a school band class.  For more advanced students, I observe what areas the student needs the most work in and tailor the lessons specifically to dealing with those areas, as well as catering to their individual musical tastes. 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

Derek is most known for his association with the John Daversa Big Band. Derek has had the pleasure of meeting and performing with many of his musical heroes. He has recorded live and studio albums with Arturo Sandoval, Jon Faddis, John Fedchock, James Morrison, Greg Gisbert, Roger Ingram, Paul Stephens, Scott Englebright, Donny Dyess, the Tastee Bros, Bernard Wright, Gene Coye, Steve Reid, Kate Reid, Melvin Butler, Ed Calle, Richard Todd, Mike Brignola, Alex Norris, Dante Luciani, John Hart, Martin Bejerano, Chuck Bergeron, Rick Margitza, and appears on the Gary Lindsay album "Are We Still Dreaming" with the South Florida Jazz Orchestra. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Saxophone Euphonium

From the beginning phase, I figure out over the long-term what your student is motivated by and create a lesson plan around it. Some students like to compose their own songs and record them. Some like to write sheet music on the computer. Some love the enjoyment of the next challenging song on sheet music. I believe it is imperative a teacher has a malleable customizable approach for every student because we all have different personalities and preferences. Read More