Guitar Lessons in Cowan Heights, CA

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

I tailor lesson plans based on your musical background, if any, and your goals. I think of lessons as collaborative, working together to figure out what works best for you. I studied academically, and I also grew up playing in punk bands in basements, so I can offer advice and exercises from multiple perspectives. I use both approaches to music fluidly in my life and I think the way people relate to music is totally personal. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

With younger students and those new to their instrument, I start with the basics, laying out simple chords, scales, and arpeggios, showing them how they are used in their favorite songs. Once an understanding of these concepts is reached I move on to how to incorporate them in real-time, and show the student how incorporate these ideas using their own unique voice. For more advanced students, I strike a balance between practical technical knowledge of the instrument and the music theory that drives the decisions their favorite artists make. 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: Guitar Bass Guitar

I also look closely at these aspects with more advanced students. With children, I always discuss lesson plans and teaching methods with the parents prior to any lesson. Once these criteria have been assessed, I will then proceed to my aforementioned method of implementing theory and techniques that will directly aid in the student's achievement of their personal goal. My goal is neither to make an individual into a carbon copy of myself as a musician, or even make them into the best, most competent musician. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Synthesizer Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I like seeing progress and appreciation in music, and to me that is student success. I enjoy helping students meet their individual goals, and I encourage them to work their hardest to achieve their best. I use humor to keep things engaging. I learn from my students what works most effectively for them as individuals. One of the things my students really enjoy are those certificates at the end of the method books. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

I am teacher who works to inspire students to really go for it, and use the guitar and bass to express themselves! I approach the music from the students desires and favorite music so that always sustains your passion and interest, and makes and keeps learning and practicing fun. I like all kinds of rock, blues, and jazz, and love to teach songs, and song writing as well. My emphasis is on self expression and performance, and then reading, theory and technique. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Before instructing a student, i like to find out their reason for starting and overall musical goals. I will then assess which methods will be most effective for each individual student. Sometimes this looks like working out of a book, sometimes it looks like just playing music together and sharing ideas. In general, my goal with all my students is to help them develop a deep personal relationship with music. Read More