Saxophone Lessons in Covina, CA

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

I have taught students of all ages and skill levels, ages 5 through adult for piano, and ages10 through adult for saxophone and clarinet, all skill levels. Many of my past students have gone on to perform in competetions and recitals and still have a great passion for playing their instrument and continue to practice and perform. Working with students of a diverse age range, I have learned much about how every student learns differently and at their own pace. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Saxophone Drums Mallet Percussion

When teaching I always discuss the interest the student has first. I can adjust to any method of teaching. Once we establish their goals, I make suggestions of various ideologies. I prefer to create the lessons weekly, and use the idea of theory, harmony, melody and rhythm as a building block in order to enable a student to move at their own pace. I start a student from the point where they are in terms of theory. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Flute Clarinet Music Keyboard

My approach to teaching music is guided by my deep passion for the art form. I focus on individualized learning, building strong foundations in theory and technique, and encouraging creativity. Patience, positive reinforcement, and setting goals are key elements in my teaching. I believe in holistic learning that encompasses history and culture. Performance opportunities boost confidence. I emphasize lifelong learning, hoping to instill a lasting love for music in my students. 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 Violin Trombone Saxophone Clarinet

All of my students, depending on age, go through my curriculum which not only focuses on solo repertoire but learning how to be an essential part of any ensemble. I make sure I plan individual lessons and create overall schemes of work for my pupils so they can develop knowledge of materials and repertoire for them at different stages of their musical development. I extend my own musical experience by becoming familiar with the music my pupils listen to and music that is assigned from their primary music instructor, as well as have them become familiar with other musical styles and by developing improvisation and vocal skills. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Saxophone Bass Guitar Organ Acoustic Guitar

I never had a degree in music nor I mastered a musical instrument. It was just my hobby because in my country, music would only offer limited jobs or may not be even considered as a career by many. Until now, I really enjoy playing those different musical instruments but I have decided to focus on piano and saxophone (tenor) because they have been like my first love and true love, respectively. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet

With beginning students, I start with the fundamentals of the instrument, including embouchure and finger technique, as well as the ability to breathe properly, which is fundamental to playing any wind instrument.  I also introduce beginning students to basic musical concepts, such as reading music, and tailor the musical selection to their tastes or to whatever group they are playing in, most often a school band class.  For more advanced students, I observe what areas the student needs the most work in and tailor the lessons specifically to dealing with those areas, as well as catering to their individual musical tastes. Read More