Drum Lessons in Saratoga Hills, CA

Instruments: Drums

The most important thing in my lesson is to have fun. I really care if students are having fun, and I will always find a way to bring them a great joy of playing music. Another thing that's really important is to make sure that students are learning what they truly wants to learn. In the begging of lesson, I always ask a student about what they want to learn specifically. Read More

Instruments: Drums

Whether I was teaching Drum Labs at Berklee College of Music or teaching privately in my Boston Studios, there has never been one student who has not moved me to want to do all I can to further their drumming and musical aspirations. I work closely with students in designing a plan that seeks to fulfill both short and long-term musical goals. We work together to contruct a lesson plan that is inspiring, demanding, and achievable. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar

My main focus of teaching is on the student, and on developing and expanding their existing musical interests. I develop a lesson plan and schedule that begins with the musical interests and passions of the student, their favorite bands, favorite songs and musical styles. From there I take each of their favorite pieces of music and demonstrate how the building blocks of music were used to create each, and how they can not only recreate their favorites, but start to create their own musical identity. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I always want the best for my students and want them to be able to go as far they want to go with drums. I like starting students off with reading since it helps with understandingrhythm and will make your practice time more well-spent. If you can read music you can get any drum book and just read through it,play like the stars. PRETTY COOL! I also teach hand technique which was taught to me from a direct student of JOE MORELLO. Read More

Instruments: Drums

The most important goal to me when teaching anyone of any level is to have them leave feeling like they've actually learned something. I feel as a teacher that the students wants and needs are paramount and should be treated as such. I like to work with whatever pace they're comfortable with and do my best to accommodate them with what they may want out of drumming. I like a laid back, welcome atmosphere with absolutely no judgement in said atmosphere and always be supportive of the student making progress in their endeavors. 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: Drums Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

I am open to suggestions and, of course, any kind of music or songs the student brings to the lessons and has questions about. Regardless of the student's skill level and age, I meet them wherever they are at, and help them progress and take the steps necessary to improve their playing. If the lessons are held at my space, I use two drum sets for teaching. This is more fun for both sides! Read More