Cello Lessons in Garden Grove, CA

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: Cello

Being a private instructor affords me the opportunity to really tailor each learning experience to my student's needs, personality and musical aspirations. I enjoy the lesson most when my student is enjoying the lesson, so it's important to me that we're working on enjoyable music, making good progress and working hard enough to have fun. While I make sure to keep a record of goals and achievements in lessons, I also like to go with the flow of the student's pace of learning. Read More

Instruments: Piano Cello

If the student does not express a total passion for wanting to learn the instrument, then I suggest that maybe this is not for them. The most important thing is that when they do have the time to practice, it is focused and in intervals that are divided up, so as not to loose concentration on what they are learning. Again, if the student is not enjoying the music with a passion, there are other things they could be doing that they enjoy! Read More

Instruments: Cello

I actively foster a collaborative learning environment by encouraging students to set personal goals, which I then assist them in achieving. Additionally, I place a strong emphasis on selecting pieces that resonate with each student's preferences, thereby enhancing motivation during practice sessions. I am proud to share that my current students have achieved notable success, including placements in state competitions and acceptance into major youth orchestras. It brings me immense joy to witness their progress and dedication to the art of cello playing. Read More

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

I am very flexible with my teaching methods and put together the best style matching the student's learning strengths. Furthermore, I update and change my methods if I feel the current method is becoming ineffective. I keep my lessons interactive with the student because the time is for the student to retrieve as much information as he/she can regarding their instrument and they can build a stronger week of preparation heading into the next lesson.  Currently my most used methods are teaching via classical, pop & jazz, and Suzuki methods. Read More

Instruments: Piano Cello

For younger cello students I love Suzuki book 1- for older students I use Lee. For my piano students I start with Bastien series. I always try to keep my students engaged and lessons positive. If for some reason a student get stuck on a piece of music or they're no longer progressing in a meaningful was I am not opposed to shelving it and moving on to something new. Read More

Instruments: Cello

It's important to move at the student's pace - whatever speed that may be. It's important to build a solid foundation but that doesn't necessarily mean mastery or perfection. It's easy to lose interest if stuck on one piece to long so we'll move through the material as quickly or as slowly as the student desires as long as the foundation is there. Supplementary material is worked in as well to keep things interesting and each lesson unique and fun. Read More