Cello Lessons in Monrovia, CA

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

Each week at the end of their lesson, my students and I will sit down without the cello and discuss everything that they learned and everything that they need to work on for their next lesson. Together, we set small realistic goals and acknowledge accompishments with small rewards in order to nurture and embolden each student. I always encourage students to enter competitions, festivals, and other programs, as setting larger end goals can be the ultimate motivators! 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

My background in the performing art is rooted in my musical education in Bulgaria were I graduated in Cello Performance and I have Master Degree in chamber music under guidance of British trained violinist Angel Stankov . Later in USA I received a Graduate Certificate in cello music performance from The University of Southern California’s, Thornton School of Music, were I had the opportunity to study with amazing Mr. Ronald Leonard. Read More

Instruments: Cello

I like to create goals with the student, not just for them. In other words, I make sure the student's opinion is always taken in consideration to ensure that every goal set is within reason and that the student genuinely thinks it is realistic for them. I encourage students to keep a practice journal where they write down the amount of time they practiced, what scale and technique exercise they practiced, and the pieces they practiced. Read More

Instruments: Piano Cello

I have been teaching for over 25 years. I have 5 children of my own who are all musicians. I have studied pedagogy at the University of Illinois and have also studied the Suzuki method. I feel lucky that I can take all of these experiences and methods and combine them to what works best for my students. What I have found is that there is not one clear cut method- every student learns in a different way. Read More