Drum Lessons in Mission Hills, CA

Instruments: Drums

For all students I typically teach from Musicians Institute’s curriculum. This curriculum is tailored in a clear and concise form to progress chronologically from the bottom up. The books I use can help to develop performance, reading, and technique etc at levels beginner through advanced. Most kids I try to teach with additional factors to keep lessons entertaining, and for adults I try to give them as much information as possible while catering to where they are trying to get as a drummer as opposed to the overall knowledge a kid needs. Read More

Instruments: Drums Bass Guitar

For most students, it is important to see where they are musically, regardless of the level, and craft a lesson plan to help them achieve their goals. There will be a balance between musical concepts and repertoire. The deeper we go in learning the song and learning the recording, the more the student will benefit. For young children I focus on learning the instrument, the fundamentals of sound, pitch and chords and keeping it fun and engaging with songs they like. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion Djembe

I have a method in place, but my lessons often take sudden detours when we need to work on a specific task (i.e. preparing for school band auditions) at the students request. Through my encouragement, my students play gigs, talent shows, in their school concerts, etc. Some are now professional drum teachers. I teach kids with special needs, adults, and professional musicians (drummers and nondrummers). My students' parents love me because I teach kids how to sharpen focus, increase attention span, listen intently, and memorize material more efficiently. Read More

Instruments: Drums Synthesizer Orchestral Percussion

I try to see what skills the beginning learner may already have. Then I try to attach rudimentary skills to the players natural skill set. This is my basic approach. I teach both ear training and formal theory. I also examine popular music with students to keep techniques current with current trends in music. When teaching DAW production technique, I focus on tuning and refining a students, "production" ear or to instantly be able to refine a mix of music to a professional level. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums

My teaching method is relatively simple, but is somewhat backwards from how most people teach music. I start with teaching the student a song, at his/her level, by listening to the record and by my example. After that I like to go back and give written out exercises and notes on what we did in the song. Often times a student will get a technical exercises and begin to get frustrated with it because they can't see why they're learning it. Read More

Instruments: Drums

We will pick up right where you left off but this time with more affective application. Practice makes permanent in any field of study, especially when said field involves a lot of motor skills (sports, music, etc). With that being a prime focus, we will concentrate on how to use our practice time most efficiently. You will learn things faster by practicing slower and more accurately. 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