Cello Lessons in West Adams, CA

Instruments: Piano Voice Cello

I have had 2 private students for the past year both for voice: -Zoe 15 -Lucas 13 I officially started teaching while I was with The After School All-Stars teaching their school of rock band. I was with them for 3 years and in that time I was able to not only have the students perform as a band but I also taught the students how to be "techies". Not all of them wanted to play instruments but they still wanted to be a part of the group so I said Why Not?" I later on returned to my old high school and have been teaching there as a musical theater teacher. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Bass Guitar Double Bass Music Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I know everyone learns  at different speeds so making sure they are comfortable yet challenging is important to me.Being able to know when the student is enjoying and not making it a chore is a key to helping and encouraging a student learn. Watching them progress in their insturment is rewarding in of itself and nothing is more satisfying. As the student starts to see him or herself accomplish each lesson I like to praise, push and encourage to keep on. 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: 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

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola

 I've been actively teaching for nearly 35 years. Teaching children as well as adults. I graduated from Drake University in 1989 with a Bachelor of Music Education. While in college I played professionally in the Des Moines Symphony and was the winner of the Young Artist Contest which afforded me the privilege of featured soloist with the Drake Symphony Orchestra. I've travelled Europe performing in America's Youth in Concert and have played at Carnegie Hall, Notre Dame. Read More

Instruments: Cello Music

Having the basic knowledge in music and techniques in playing are very important tools to have as a performer. I typically start with the Suzuki method for beginners and intermediates. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce a solo repertoire or other music pieces appropriate to the student’s interest. I also use other exercise books as part of the lesson to improve the student’s sight reading, ear training, and technique skills on the instrument. 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