Clarinet Lessons in Irvine, CA

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I grew up in Indianapolis. While in high school, I studied Classical Clarinet with Achille Rossi of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. My interest at this early stage of my career was and still is in Classical Music. I went on to play with many of the All-City and All-State Orchestras.After high school, my interest in jazz began to blossom. I went on to attend Berklee College of Music in Boston, where I was a Performance Major and earned my four year professional performance certificate, studying all aspects of jazz: composition, arranging, and performance. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet

With beginning students, I start with the fundamentals of the instrument, including embouchure and finger technique, as well as the ability to breathe properly, which is fundamental to playing any wind instrument.  I also introduce beginning students to basic musical concepts, such as reading music, and tailor the musical selection to their tastes or to whatever group they are playing in, most often a school band class.  For more advanced students, I observe what areas the student needs the most work in and tailor the lessons specifically to dealing with those areas, as well as catering to their individual musical tastes. 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

He is featured on the John Daversa Big Band's latest studio album, "American Dreamers". As a grad student at Miami, Derek was a guest lecturer in Jazz Pedagogy courses and guest conducted the Frost Studio Jazz Band. He has been a member of the Jazz Education Network since 2013 and the International Trombone Association since 2014. His teachers include Vern Kagarice, Jan Kagarice, Tony Baker, Steve Wiest, Andre Hayward, and Dante Luciani. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

During a lesson I tend to organize the lesson so that there are three or four parts. Usually I begin with long tones then we move to articulation. Then I usually incorporate a few small musical studies that cater to style and performance type. During this time it is important for the student to pay attention to the timbre of their performance. Next I cater to the students ability to create their own character with a solo. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

I have taught students of all ages and skill levels, ages 5 through adult for piano, and ages10 through adult for saxophone and clarinet, all skill levels. Many of my past students have gone on to perform in competetions and recitals and still have a great passion for playing their instrument and continue to practice and perform. Working with students of a diverse age range, I have learned much about how every student learns differently and at their own pace. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Flute Clarinet Music Keyboard

My approach to teaching music is guided by my deep passion for the art form. I focus on individualized learning, building strong foundations in theory and technique, and encouraging creativity. Patience, positive reinforcement, and setting goals are key elements in my teaching. I believe in holistic learning that encompasses history and culture. Performance opportunities boost confidence. I emphasize lifelong learning, hoping to instill a lasting love for music in my students. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola Saxophone Flute Clarinet Oboe English Horn Acoustic Guitar

Music is experienced ears-first, and that's how I prefer to teach. I certainly teach everyone to read music if they don't already know how, but I really like to help people hear the music they want to make. This is done through listening assignments, playing with my students during lessons, some music memorization, and singing. I also incorporate a lot of improvisation games to get students making sounds pressure-free and help them access their inner expressive voice. Read More