Cello Lessons in Los Nietos, CA

Instruments: Cello

Suzuki held. Every child can absolutely learn to play the cello when given the opportunity and the patience of an encouraging teacher. I particularly enjoy helping others on their musical journey providing a holistic approach to each and every student. Everyone learns differently and taking a one size fits all approach will leave many students unhappy and/or feeling as though they dont have the talent to play cello. Learning is unique to each individual thereby requiring a tailored approach and lesson plan ensuring that the student is able to reach their highest potential. 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: Cello

For beginning students I like to begin with a combination of Hal Leonard's Essential Elements and Suzuki Method books. I find Essential Elements to be useful for learning the fundamentals of playing the instrument and music theory. However, Suzuki offers the ability for students to quickly play solo repertoire. I also incorporate learning and understanding scales for the purpose of learning fingering patterns and intonation. As students progress, I also find Rick Monney's Positions Pieces extremely valuable. Read More

Instruments: Voice Cello Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion

In 1984 I was a music instructor for the Canadian Forces School of Music in Esquimalt British Columbia. Over the last three decades I have taught one-on-one lessons and ensembles at all levels including Elementary, Middle, and High School levels. More recently I founded MusiCali Kids with my wife, servicing families with the award winning program Music Together. I recently taught for the Crestwood Music Education center in N.Y. where I had over 30 students, as well as served as Conductor of the string orchestras and percussion ensemble. Read More

Instruments: Piano Cello

Every student learns differently and is inspired differently. I believe it is important to have a solid knowledge of theory and note reading- If the student has this foundation then they are able to grow quite quickly as musicians. I think that consistency is the key to learning an instrument and trying to practice every day is ideal, but I have children of my own and I realize that this is not always possible. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Harmonica Recorder Electric Violin Fiddle Piccolo Oboe English Horn Keyboard

I teach combination of the Suzuki method and the Hungarian style (stressing the natural, comfortable, painless, tension free method). For young students, the Suzuki method is great, since the repertoire is all fun! Also the CD that comes with every level is vital! Children enjoy and benefit from that. I am an audiophile, so I can set up students with a quality hifi system on the cheap - this is so vital in Suzuki method, as he stated in his book, Nurtured With Love. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Cello Bass Guitar Ukulele Mandolin Acoustic Guitar

For young children I usually use the Suzuki method books for song selection and through those we can focus on the basic fundamentals of positioning and technical development. It is easy to see what needs to be addressed through those first few songs and we can go from there. For older children and adults we can select from a wider variety with input from the student and we can work on whatever technical issues arise based on the level of the student. Read More