Trombone Lessons in King, CA

Instruments: Trombone

The lessons are structured and built around the needs of each individual student. We begin by exploring strengths and weaknesses, and then customize materials and methods based on this. At the center of my pedagogical philosophy is a style of learning built on positive reinforcement, using methods that are supported by research on brain development and learning. For older students that are more driven, we also spend more time on developing effective strategies for individual practice, and together we set clear developmental goals. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trombone Synthesizer Keyboard

I began teaching back when I was in high school. I distinctly remember helping the younger trombonists at the grade schools and helping lower classmen as I got older. By the time I was a senior in high school I had several private students and I have been teaching routinely various students ever since. I intend to use my own experience and connections within the musical realm as a guidance tool to my students. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone French Horn

Through many years of teaching, I have found that being positive is the most effective way to help students succeed. Students should look forward to coming to their music lessons and thoroughly enjoy playing their instrument. I always try to avoid focusing on what a student is doing wrong, but instead point out ways to improve. If a student has the confidence and dedication to succeed, they are more than likely to do just that. Read More

Instruments: Trombone

Once the student feels comfortable with the mouthpiece and the long tones, I acquaint the student with fundamentals such as the positions, partials, scales and different types of articulations. For intermediate and advanced students, I focus on repertoire. Applying practices similar to what I have described above, I work with the student on playing repertoire with expression and facility. First I introduce them to short melodies that excercise skills in articulation and phrasing (called "etudes"). Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder Fiddle French Horn Piccolo Oboe

For stringed instruments, I uses the Suzuki method for teaching the basic repertory of the instruments. This method is an ear training method in which the student plays by ear. It starts out very simple so students of all ages can learn and progress very quickly. For learning to read music I use one of the method books like "A Tune a day" or Strictly Strings which teach the fundamentals of read music and music theory. Read More

Instruments: Trombone Euphonium Music

Typically I like to emphasize fundamentals for my students since solid fundamentals is a foundation for everything else and is something that needs to be constantly maintained and can always be improved regardless of the student's level. In addition, I also take into account what the student is interested in and try to work on music that is engaging, fun, and within the ability level of the student. I use a variety of different method books to suit the need of the student as well as methods and exercises of my own. 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 a Grammy-nominated trombonist based in Los Angeles, California. Derek completed a BM in Jazz Studies from the University of North Texas in 2016 and an MM in Studio Music and Jazz Trombone at the University of Miamis Frost School of Music in 2018. As a freelance musician in Los Angeles, Miami, and Dallas, he has been regarded as a first-call musician in many styles of music for the past 5 years. Read More