Cello Lessons in Norco, CA

Instruments: Cello

My musical journey commenced at the age of 13, and since then, I have garnered numerous accolades and recognitions, both nationally and internationally. Notable achievements include securing 1st Prize in the 2017 Arnuero International Chamber Music Competition, the 2013 Eastman School Concerto Competition, and the 2013 American Protege International String and Piano Competition. Additionally, I achieved 2nd Prize in the 2012 Eastern Connecticut Instrumental Competition. My passion for performance has taken me to renowned venues across the globe, with recitals held in countries such as the United States, Spain, Switzerland, Denmark, Austria, Taiwan, and Canada. 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: Piano Cello Keyboard

For beginners, I would first teach them the basic sitting and hand postures, basic note-reading, and basic music theories. After they know how to play piano in an appropriate posture, I would like them to start with Hanon piano exercises. I believe it is a great book to warm up the fingers and a great finger exercises for all levels of piano players. Other than those basic exercises, I would also like to introduce them to one to two simple pieces that are fun to play. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder Fiddle French Horn Piccolo Oboe

My approach to learning an instruments is to have the students learn to play by ear first before they can start learning to read music. I find that most students are able to progress quickly because it frees them to focus on the playing the instruments rather than reading notes. I consider reading music like different subject that they learn later. Learning music is like learning to speak. First we learn to talk and then we learn to read and write. Read More

Instruments: Cello

In addition to my academic pursuits, I have been an active member of various performance groups and summer festivals. I have had the honor of performing with the LA Phil's Youth Orchestra LA (YOLA) at Torres, the YOLA Cross-site Orchestra, and the Olympia Youth Orchestra. These experiences have allowed me to collaborate with talented musicians and showcase my skills on prestigious stages. I am also committed to fostering intergenerational connections through music. 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: Violin Cello Viola

In my lessons, I take an integrated approach to music education, drawing connections between music of practically any style, genre, or tradition; between musical technique, analysis, and expression; and between music as an abstract entity (e.g., a score, an acoustic phenomenon) and the cultural and historical context in which it is both composed and performed. I work on music not only from the Western classical tradition, but also from pop, rock, jazz, and folk music from around the world, as I believe all musical styles are worthy of exploration and consideration. Read More