Piano Lessons in Bristol, CA

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching style is focussed very much on what the student wishes to learn. Having a set guide pf progression is necessary but not when forced upon. My style involves exploring music together, understanding the thought process behind different pieces of music and applying concepts in fun innovative ways. I have also designed many musical games that are fun and help students remember things better. With every student I put together a custom lesson plan that is designed to show yardsticks and milestones for the student in how they are moving forward with their instrument. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Ukulele Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have developed my skill set through experience as a professional musician, songwriter, and band member. My specialty is guitar, as I have a degree in Guitar Performance from the California Institute of the Arts, and I also teach piano, voice, and ukulele. I also love to help students write music to express their creativity. As a musician, I have had the opportunity to perform, write, and record professionally with a very dedicated group of musicians. 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

Most recently Derek was the lead trombonist of the 2018 Disneyland All-American College Band. He has recently performed with Wayne Bergeron, Gordon Goodwin, Dave Holland, Randy Brecker, Dave Liebman, Jimmy Heath, Shaun Martin, Christian Jacob, John Beasley, Troy Roberts, Frank Greene, Brian Lynch, Jeff Jarvis, Steve Houghton, Jiggs Whigham, Sal Lozano, and John Clayton. Derek has had recent performances at Dizzys Club Coca-Cola, the Smithsonian Institute, and the New World Symphony. Read More

Instruments: Piano Cello

If teaching the 'cello, I like to use the instruction book that I learned from which is Samuel Applebaum's Beginning Strings book and around this I will introduce more international music, often in duet form to help with intonation. After the student develops good basic technique, then sonatas and concerti are gradually introduced. If teaching the piano, then I make sure that Dozen a Day for the beginners is incorporated with any of the beginning/intermediate books such as John Thompson's, Edna Mae Burnam's or Frances Clark's methods and for more advanced piano students the Hanon exercises are included along with the standard Classical repertoire. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Ukulele Music

For piano lessons I generally prefer to use the Alfred curriculum, but am well versed in other options should the student already be accustomed to certain styles. I have assisted students with their Certificate of Merit completion, and worked several students through the entire Alfred curriculum, till they went on to achieve collegiate scholarship opportunities. As a voice teacher, I employ a Bel Canto technique, and specialize in a Musical Theater Style and Classical Background. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Synthesizer Ukulele Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I like to think of my teaching styles and methods as very practical yet very encouraging and nurturing. The best way to ingrain a new concept or idea I have found is to teach someone a practical way in how to use it, usually through learning a new song or exercise which expands their horizons and outlook on things. Nothing invigorates me more than to see students get excited when they finally understand or grasp something I have taught them. Read More