Viola Lessons in San Gabriel, CA

Instruments: Viola

I am extremely passionate about music and playing my instrument. I received my BA in Viola Performance in 2018 and have been an incredibly active performer and teacher since then. In 2019 I had the pleasure of playing in three different orchestras in Europe and also performed in an intensive summer music festival in Prague, playing in such venues as the Estates Theater and the Rudolfinum, home of the Czech Philharmonic. I currently teach viola/violin at my old high school every week and I absolutely love doing it. 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: Violin Viola Fiddle

I have taught beginning violin using many different methods and books, including but not limited to the Suzuki Method, Essential Elements for Strings, and All For Strings books. However, I have found that the best way to engage students and maintain progress is not to keep too strictly to any one method, but to find what best suits each individual. I also incorporate a mix of transcribed fiddle tunes and/or popular music pieces to provide variety and keep the material fun! Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Bass Guitar Double Bass Music Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I know everyone learns  at different speeds so making sure they are comfortable yet challenging is important to me.Being able to know when the student is enjoying and not making it a chore is a key to helping and encouraging a student learn. Watching them progress in their insturment is rewarding in of itself and nothing is more satisfying. As the student starts to see him or herself accomplish each lesson I like to praise, push and encourage to keep on. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Viola Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Ukulele Electric Violin Double Bass Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I am a musician with a passion for sharing my craft with others. I have an extensive background in instrumental music and music production. Violin is my primary instrument, but I am also proficient in many other string and percussion instruments. I have prior classroom teaching experience at the high school level, where I also directed and conducted musicals. I own a fully functioning multi-track home recording studio that I use to compose and produce music of varying genres. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Flute Drums Bass Guitar Organ Electric Violin Double Bass

I have an interactive yet focused style of teaching. I can(but don't recommend) to use the Suzuki method. I feel that all aspects related to the instruments weigh much importance in teaching the student. However, with the Suzuki method, the student's primary focus is to learn pieces rapidly and climb the level of difficulty as fast as possible. This prevents him/her to fully understand and analyze the piece and lesson and it can also turn the student away from pursuing the instrument further.  Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola Electric Violin

I received my Bachelors of Music in violin performance from the University of Redlands. I will be starting school in July to receive my Masters in music education from Longy School of music. I have always wanted to teach and it is important for my students to enjoy the love of music. I feel it is important to perform as well so they understand that I still need to work hard to stay a strong musician. Read More