Music Lessons in Laguna Niguel, CA

Instruments: Saxophone

I have always been naturally drawn to listening and playing music. Music brings me joy and as a teacher my goal is to inspire students to experience the same joy I get from making music. I studied jazz and classical music at Eastman School of Music and focused on jazz during my master's degree at the University of Miami. From being a student of many great jazz educators I have learned several effective teaching methods. Read More

Instruments: Trombone Euphonium Tuba

I believe it is essential for beginning students, and for that matter all level of student, to understand what a good trombone sound that they should be attempting to emulate. In the 1940s popular music included many trombone artists. While today most of the popular music is Pop, Rock N Roll, Rap, Country etc. In the 1940s it was not unusual to hear Tommy Dorsey, Glenn Miller on the radio. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

By letting students practice how to improvise, students will learn not only the instrument itself, but also start to build a concept of ear-training, as well as music theory. To me, the music comes first than the music theory, which is why music theory always serves people's ear. I would have students learn how to play and hear chords, create a musical vocabulary and enjoy themselves. After letting them hear music, I will explain why they are hearing what they are hearing instead of letting them read it from a chart and not explaining why. Read More

Instruments: Cello

I began my journey to become a Suzuki teacher in 2021 and can teach levels 1-10 which means I can assist students from the beginner level to the advanced level. The Suzuki method has taught me that talent isn't innate and can be taught - with enough time and effort any student can achieve the level they wish. It is my job and my goal to help the student discover where they want to take their musical journey and help build the skills to get them there. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute

Embouchure: muscle distribution, posture, mouthpiece position Tone Production: tongue position, first tone , various dynamic levels, long tones Intonation: Overtone exercise, opening of throat , expansion of neck, singing pitch Articulation: reading phrase articulation , determining articulation Phrasing: playing each note with a purpose Repertoire: Standards , Publications Scales: major / melodic minor arpeggios thirds and fourths various exercises Patterns: symmetrical patterns for repetition and inside and outside harmonic structure Equipment: horns, reeds, mouthpieces, books, software, hardware Solo Interpretation : Playing in the proper idiom Ensemble interpretation: following the lead player, supporting role, blending History Saxophone Styles: Major influences on Jazz and Popular saxophone Practice routine: what , how long and in what order to practice 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 a Grammy-nominated trombonist based in Los Angeles, California. Derek completed a BM in Jazz Studies from the University of North Texas in 2016 and an MM in Studio Music and Jazz Trombone at the University of Miamis Frost School of Music in 2018. As a freelance musician in Los Angeles, Miami, and Dallas, he has been regarded as a first-call musician in many styles of music for the past 5 years. Read More

Instruments: Piano

Music is my life. Without it, life is meaningless. It is all to me. I am very passionated and I want to carry this love of music to my students. I love teaching children and being around them makes me happy. My goal of teaching piano is to make students enjoy playing piano and enjoy music entire their lives. They will be appreciated music when they grow up and never regret that they took piano lessons. Read More