Guitar Lessons in Hawaiian Gardens, CA

Instruments: Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

He permitted me to, so I got an A grade for that class. I took some music classes at Pasadena City College. I had been in various bands since my teens. I was in the Kingston Beat All Stars. That band played mostly Jamaican ska and reggae standards. Currently I'm in a duo called Infinite Suns. We're just starting out. I'm a versatile player. I can play rock music, acoustic guitar instrumentals, etc. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

It’s always been my dream to learn music, then perform and teach. And like a good student under the tutelage master musicians of the past, I’m passing on the art to others. All while making my own lesson plans that cater to the student. It’s an endless river of knowledge and fun. Music was innate in me from my family of performers and curators. Private instruction taught me the language; jamming taught me how to implement what I had learned. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Ukulele Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My style is one that seamlessly adapts to all ages, learning styles, and backgrounds, resulting in a high student retention rate over the years. I provide an exciting and positive environment for students to not only learn fundamentals and techniques, but also to find and express their unique musical voice. As lessons progress at the student's pace, it's important to keep discovering what they love about music and what inspires them to learn (song, artist, style, musician friend). Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Double Bass Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I approach teaching in a fun, practical way. It is easy to get swept up in technique and theory when learning an instrument. While those are very important, it is essential to apply them musically. Every concept I teach, I will provide an example in an actual piece of music. I will help students set realistic goals to achieve to keep the passion going. Music is my life and I want to share my love for music with my students. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I like my students to build skills that musicians possess and in order to do this I incorporate a lot my own creativity into my teaching. I base most of my teaching on Hal Leonard's Guitar Method, and I combine this with technical exercises I create according to the need of each student. My lessons are focused on gaining an understanding on how to be functional in guitar playing while also enjoying it. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums

I have been a very active performing drummer for the past 20 years. I recorded three albums that were released worldwide with my band Scelerata. I did five Brazilian tours (50+ shows) as Paul DiAnno’s (former Iron Maiden’s lead singer) official drummer, from 2009 to 2014. In the summer of 2017, I recorded Rage In My Eyes’ first album in Los Angeles. In March 2018, I performed with America’s Got Talent winner Bianca Ryan. 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