Guitar Lessons in Greenmead, CA

Instruments: Guitar

I'm a passionate and dedicated guitar instructor who loves working with students and sharing my enthusiasm for music. Ive been playing guitar for over ten years, focusing primarily on J-pop music, which has been a huge source of inspiration for me. My formal training includes being part of IVCs guitar ensemble, where Ive had the opportunity to perform with talented musicians and refine my skills in a collaborative setting. Teaching guitar began as a way to give back to my church community, and since then, Ive enjoyed helping students of all ages develop their own love for music. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Classical Guitar

I consider my role as an instructor as one where I give the students information that they can't (or at least it would be very difficult) to learn on their own. I focus a lot on proper technique and reading notation for the guitar. I believe that the sooner a student no longer needs me to learn new pieces and grow artistically, the better I have done my job. My ultimate goal is to foster a deep love and appreciation for music, because I believe that at least in a small way this makes our world a better place. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

I began teaching quite early in my own guitar playing experience. Once I had the basics down, my friends would ask me to come to their house to show them how to play a few chords. It wasn't until close to 5 years ago when those friends kindly asked me to start teaching their children. It was then when I realized how much I loved teaching, so much in fact that I resigned from a cushy 9-5 office job to pursue teaching full time. 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

Derek is most known for his association with the John Daversa Big Band. Derek has had the pleasure of meeting and performing with many of his musical heroes. He has recorded live and studio albums with Arturo Sandoval, Jon Faddis, John Fedchock, James Morrison, Greg Gisbert, Roger Ingram, Paul Stephens, Scott Englebright, Donny Dyess, the Tastee Bros, Bernard Wright, Gene Coye, Steve Reid, Kate Reid, Melvin Butler, Ed Calle, Richard Todd, Mike Brignola, Alex Norris, Dante Luciani, John Hart, Martin Bejerano, Chuck Bergeron, Rick Margitza, and appears on the Gary Lindsay album "Are We Still Dreaming" with the South Florida Jazz Orchestra. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Saxophone Drums Mallet Percussion

When teaching I always discuss the interest the student has first. I can adjust to any method of teaching. Once we establish their goals, I make suggestions of various ideologies. I prefer to create the lessons weekly, and use the idea of theory, harmony, melody and rhythm as a building block in order to enable a student to move at their own pace. I start a student from the point where they are in terms of theory. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar

My teaching philosophy revolves around a holistic approach to music education. While technical proficiency is important, I also emphasize the significance of musicality, interpretation, and understanding the composer's intentions. It's not just about playing the notes; it's about conveying emotions and telling a story through each piece. I encourage my students to explore various musical styles, experiment with their creativity, and develop their own unique musical voice. As a composer I am capable of writing and arranging, on the spot. Read More