Saxophone Lessons in Altadena, CA

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 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: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder Piccolo Music

I was born and raised in Tucson, Arizona, where my musical journey began at the age of eight with the Flute and Piano. From the moment I started playing, I knew music would be a lifelong passion. By the age of twelve, I had expanded my instrumental repertoire to include the Saxophone and Clarinet. I earned my Bachelors degree in Flute Performance from the University of Arizona, then moved to Los Angeles to pursue a Masters degree at the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts), where I discovered a deep love for Contemporary Music. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

I started teaching saxophone performance in 2010 for private students who were looking to improve their skills on the instrument. Starting from my college years, I've been teaching many students performance, arrangement, composition, ear training and harmony. I always put my best effort with every single one of my student. Being a positive and involved teacher helps them feel motivated and makes the learning process much easier. I try to teach as much as I can during my lesson hours but I can easily adjust my pace to make sure the students has a total understanding of the topic. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

I feel a sense of accomplishment when I see one of my students gain an appreciation and passion for music. Because of this I think it is important that every student advances at their own speed. I encourage this by setting reachable goals for my students each lesson. My students realizing their accomplishments helps ignite their want to progress and their willingness to learn more. By trying to figure out what inspires my student, I can successfully design my instruction to their wants and needs. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Euphonium Oboe Bassoon

I am very familiar with all of the standard piano methods, and will evaluate the student in the first few lessons to choose a method that they will be the most comfortable with.  I supplement all lessons with music theory and outside repertoire, allowing the students to choose from their favorite genres/artists.  For theatre, musical theatre, and vocal coaching, I also employ Linklater and Alexander techniques. I also really enjoy exposing students to styles, genres or artists that they might not be familiar with along with the history behind the music they're learning! 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