Cello Lessons in Monarch Beach, CA

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: Cello

I am an energetic and passionate teacher who strives to pass on my love and knowledge of music. I am a recent graduate from Cal State Fullerton with a degree in music education. During my time in school, I focused not only on cello performance and technique, but on various teaching methods and pedagogies as well. I have a true passion for teaching and have had the opportunity to work with middle school programs as a teacher/conductor assistant. Read More

Instruments: Cello Music

I teach from the traditional method.  I use the String Builder as it give the student a step by step method on how to learn the notes and how to understand the notes on the page.  This method teaches you 2 ideas simultaneously.  You read music, and play at the same time.  There are many methods of teaching, and I am aware of all of them, but I am very successful with the Traditional method and the String Builder Method Book. Read More

Instruments: Cello

I tend to tailor my method for the individual goals and desires of the student. Generally, for my beginning students, I assign a regiment of short pieces and technical etudes from a variety of method books. I find this to be an effective way to build technique while also cultivating musicality. As a student advances, I begin assigning works from the standard cello repertoire, which includes pieces such as Bach Cello Suites, concertos, and sonatas. 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: Cello

I push my students gently, always mindful of their individual boundaries and comfort levels. It's essential that they feel supported and encouraged, which fosters a positive and long-lasting relationship with music. By incorporating therapeutic approaches, I ensure that my teaching is a source of inspiration and personal growth, not just a means to an end. In essence, my teaching style is a harmonious blend of musical instruction and emotional well-being. Read More

Instruments: Cello

For novice students, I initiate their cello education with "All for Strings Book 1" by Gerald E. Anderson and "I Can Read Music" by Joanne Martin. Once students grasp the fundamentals of reading music and producing sound on the cello, I guide them towards exploring Suzuki Books and build their repertoire from there. As they progress, I introduce supplementary materials such as Rick Mooney's "Position Pieces for Cello" and "Double Stops for Cello" to enhance their technical proficiency. Read More