Piano Lessons in Highland Park, CA

Instruments: Piano Synthesizer Keyboard

I use the Alfred teaching method in my lessons, however I do not stop there. Over the years I have developed my own sense of method which I have incorporated into my lessons. For children and Middle school level students I make use of the iPad and a MIDI keyboard to help them learn musical notes and music theory. I use a variety of music apps to help and guide them with a fun activity to learn and develop their reading skills. 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: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Euphonium Oboe Bassoon

I'm a fun, enthusiastic music teacher who enjoys teaching students of all ages.  With a degree in music performance from the Cincinnati Conservatory and in acting from the LA City College Theatre Academy, I bring a special skill set and experience level to my lessons. I've been teaching private lessons in the greater Los Angeles area for almost 20 years. My passion is finding a way for each individual student to want to get the most out of their musical education. Sharing the love of music is a vocation that I take very seriously! Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Drums Recorder

From Newbreed to Chapin to Afro-Cuban Rhythm for drum set, there are many methods that are worth exploring. That being said, sometimes learning songs (covers) can be the best way to learn quickly and it can be a lot of fun. Something I've done many times too is writing precise exercises for students in order to address and target specific needs. Let's say a student has difficulty with his ghost notes on his/her left hand, I can easily come up with fun exercises in order to speed up the progress and get improvements for that student. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin

For 3-5 year olds on piano I use Wunderkeys and supplement with Bastien Music Tree and music I have written when note reading is introduced. Usually I continue into Faber and Faber but Wunderkeys is adding more method books for beginners 5+ and I may start using that once it is available for purchase. I highly encourage theory and incorporate it into lessons when time. I have use Three Cranky Women theory books and Julie McIntosh Johnson Theory. Read More

Instruments: Piano

To reinforce the concepts and techniques covered during each lesson, I encourage students to reflect on their progress by summarizing what we've accomplished that day. This practice of active recall strengthens their understanding and retention of the material, ensuring that they can effectively apply these learnings to future practice sessions and performances. By incorporating these strategies, I strive to create a nurturing, supportive, and fulfilling learning environment that empowers students to reach their full potential. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Keyboard

Each person is unique. I like to start my lessons by getting to know my students through assessing where their passion(s) lie. I know that each student progresses at their own pace. I help them set realistic goals through the development of lessons that serve as a measurement for growth. I believe in giving positive reinforcement to my students because as fun as playing the music is, I find that it can be a tough process when trying to learn. Read More