Clarinet Lessons in Lancaster, CA

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

Most recently Derek was the lead trombonist of the 2018 Disneyland All-American College Band. He has recently performed with Wayne Bergeron, Gordon Goodwin, Dave Holland, Randy Brecker, Dave Liebman, Jimmy Heath, Shaun Martin, Christian Jacob, John Beasley, Troy Roberts, Frank Greene, Brian Lynch, Jeff Jarvis, Steve Houghton, Jiggs Whigham, Sal Lozano, and John Clayton. Derek has had recent performances at Dizzys Club Coca-Cola, the Smithsonian Institute, and the New World Symphony. Read More

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

I use a wide variety of methods depending on the student's current ability level, musical preferences, and goals. I'm also willing to work with a method or book that a student is currently using. Generally, my students have a varying ratio of technique/scale study to work on the foundations, an etude/short piece study to help connect musical ideas and teach expression, and a solo piece that is prepared over a long period of time, most likely for a future recital. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

I like to teach students in a way that encourages them to think for themselves and learn how to correct their own mistakes. I think it is important for students to develop a solid practice routine, which they can use for years to come. I like inspiring students by going beyond learning their instrument to helping them understand the history of their instrument and the music they are learning and the role/importance of music to them. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums French Horn Oboe

I truly believe that all learning, while serious in nature, should be fun and exciting in methodology. Living in the age of technology, there are so many ways to make learning fun and interesting for students. Whether it be sharing information from Youtube, educational sites such as The Teaching Channel, using digital music apps such as "Smart Music" for assessment, showing a student how to record themselves on their smartphones, all of these things can be brought in to the instructional experience. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

I always try to teach the student how to improvise, because I think that improvisation is the heart of music, is where you can learn how to express yourself instantly. I encourage a continuity in the practice, it doesn't have to be 3 hours a day, it could even de 20 minutes a day, as long as you develop a discipline for it. I also use my own material that will fit the level and skills of my current student, in addition to exisitng repertoire. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet

The true role of a teacher is to open the door for a student to discover things on their own.  Because every student has different ways of learning different things, a teacher must be able to guide a student through the process and find what works the best for them.  Also, I am more interested in engaging a student in the spirit and emotion of music, rather than just the technical aspect of playing an instrument. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Flute Clarinet Music Keyboard

My work extends beyond the stage, as I've had the privilege of recording and composing for acclaimed series like HBO's "Hacks" and Netflix's "Insiders." Collaborating with industry veterans such as Rob Lewis, known for his work with artists like Christina Aguilera, Fifth Harmony, and the Backstreet Boys, has been an inspiring part of my journey. Additionally, I've had the incredible opportunity to perform as a soloist with the Madrid Philharmonic Orchestra, presenting my composition "Espirales" and my piece "Murmullos," both of which received awards and were showcased at the prestigious Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando in Madrid, thanks to the support of the Fundacin Sax Ensemble. Read More