Music Lessons in El Monte, CA

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Depending on where the student is on their development, and which instrument: Guitar - I typically try and start with fundamentals such as how to hold your instrument.. where in the fret to press and make it sing and sound correct. I usually give them a couple simple, one or two string ditties to practice. Then I usually go over some of the basic, commonly used chords and have the student practice on making sure that they can hear all the correct strings ring when they strike the chord. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute

I enjoy seeing my students grow and I understand that patience is the key to success. I move at the pace of the student and I love to motivate my students to be great. Everybody learns differently and I take notice of that. I will run my lessons based on the student's strength and effectively develop the students weaknesses. I am fun to work with! Read More

Instruments: Violin Electric Violin

My teaching method is mainly the combination of The Juilliard School of Music and Suzuki Method.  Lessons are specifically designed to fit individual students age, background, strength and personality. In my classes, not only students are taught how to play the violin, they are also taught ear training, sight-reading, music theory, and performance skills; Most importantly, students are also taught self-confidence, discipline, appreciation of the arts, and the pride that comes from a job well done.  Read More

Instruments: Voice

We begin with gradual warm-ups then move onto the student's chosen selection, working on melody and rhythm before learning text and interpreting the arc of the song. Whether it's an uptempo musical theater ballad, a Mozart aria, jazz or pop selection, we end with working on capturing the artistry and vocal style of a chosen piece. Come in and work on improving your singing or prepare for your next studio recording, audition, performance, or karaoke gig with friends! Read More

Instruments: Guitar

Beginning students I will start with Hal Leonards beginning guitar and school of rock tablature so theyre learning both tab and notes. More advanced students will learn jazz out of multiple different books. We can start the lessons usually with warmups on scales, arpeggios and chords then for the rest of the lesson, focus on material. Developing your ear, or what is usually known as musicianship, is also something that I offer in addition to music theory. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

For both voice and piano lessons, I always try to demonstrate the techniques I'd like students to learn to make sure they understand the correct way to practice. For both instruments, I use scales and chords for teaching, and I implement quite a bit of music theory in my piano lessons. 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