Music Lessons in East Irvine, CA

Instruments: Piano Voice

I started studying at the age of 7 and never looked back. I'm about to graduate with my degree in vocal performance and have already completed my pedagogy requirements. I have 4 years of teaching experience, and 13+ years of performing experience. I primarily perform opera, however I have extensive experience in musical theater, solo jazz and in vocal jazz ensembles, as well as concert and chamber choirs. I am comfortable teaching any of these styles, though of course when it comes to opera younger students will start with art song and other classical styles that are more suited to the less mature voice. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Flute Drums Bass Guitar Organ Electric Violin Double Bass

I have been insfluenced and surrounded with music since childhood. I have experience in multiple aspects of music from performance to teaching and just about everything in between. I love working with students to achieve their goals. The most rewarding feeling for me is when my student feels they've accomplished a technique or method on their respective instrument. I strive to keep lessons joyous yet keep the student motivated to practice at home. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Orchestral Percussion Conga

During college, a woman and her son saw a Jazz combo show I played drum set in and after the set, She asked me if I would teach her son. I agreed. I taught her son for a year. Sadly, they moved away but the word spread and the next year I had two more students. It contuied that way as I progressed in college my teaching improved. When I moved to California in 1997, I had seven students to teach on the weekends. 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 Drums Bass Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

The student and I will begin to develop a relationship right away. Trust and communication are key. We'll see where the student stands in his or her current playing. They will usually play for a minute or so and talk out loud about their feelings on their playing. This will include thoughts like where he or she starts to get bored, gets stuck, wants to explore more, has trouble, etc. Read More

Instruments: Drums

During the first lesson I always assess where the student is the learning timeline with their instrument. I also find out what the student's goals are with music. Once this has been established we work on a plan of action to acheive those goals. Since the vast majority of drum students are primarily interested in learning drumset skills, we will start working on this from the very first lesson. I tend to break drumset studies into these general groups: skills and technique, independence and coordination, groove studies, and reading. Read More

Instruments: Piano Organ Synthesizer Keyboard

Each lesson helps beginners or advanced students with unique lessons. Most student lessons last 45 minutes- and not uncommon up to an hour, and even more at no extra charge. It's a recharge that may require more than a week of practice, so schedule accordingly. My beginning music course has "handout" copies of my lessons to encourage individual students learning theory and sight reading. I use the "Michael Aaron" course for beginners, progressing with new techniques and work borks by John Thompson, covering classical, pop, rock and blues. Read More