Saxophone Lessons in Fountain Valley, CA

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute

For beginners, I like to use affordable books such as "Standard of Excellence" or "Essential Elements." For intermediate and advanced students, I will present materials based off of the student's interests. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I have been a working music teacher and professional musician since 2003. My work has taken me all over the world, from exotic, global itineraries on board 5-star cruise ships, to the some of the top music venues in New York City, as well as the homes and classrooms of many satisfied students. I graduated from the New England Conservatory of Music, with a B.M. in Jazz Performance (saxophone). I also hold a Certificate of Eligibility in K-12 Music from the New Jersey Department of Education, as well as a Substitute Teaching Certificate (specializing in music) for Sussex County school districts in New Jersey. 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 most known for his association with the John Daversa Big Band. Derek has had the pleasure of meeting and performing with many of his musical heroes. He has recorded live and studio albums with Arturo Sandoval, Jon Faddis, John Fedchock, James Morrison, Greg Gisbert, Roger Ingram, Paul Stephens, Scott Englebright, Donny Dyess, the Tastee Bros, Bernard Wright, Gene Coye, Steve Reid, Kate Reid, Melvin Butler, Ed Calle, Richard Todd, Mike Brignola, Alex Norris, Dante Luciani, John Hart, Martin Bejerano, Chuck Bergeron, Rick Margitza, and appears on the Gary Lindsay album "Are We Still Dreaming" with the South Florida Jazz Orchestra. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I have 7 years teaching both in a private studio setting and in group/ensemble setting.  I teach piano, saxophone, flute, and clarinet, to all levels and ages.  I have experience teaching and playing in marching bands, orchestras, salsa bands, jazz bands, and wind ensembles, to contemporary Christian/worship bands.  I have played in several musicals.  I front my own contemporary Christian Band, and we just released our first album in April, 2013. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

After studying under some amazing private teachers, I started teaching saxophone and clarinet when I was in High School. Since then, I have taught hundreds of students of all ages and skill levels privately and in conjunction with music institutions. I was the manager of Educator's Music in Twinsburg, Ohio for 3 years. After moving to California, I continued teaching private lessons through Musika and other online services. I have over 20 years of professional performing and teaching experience. 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: Piano Saxophone Clarinet Music

For students that are beginners in music, I use the Essential Elements and Rubank methods to teach them how to read music as well as their instrument. For more advanced students, I place more of an emphasis on the fundamentals of the instrument specifically developing a warm, beautiful sound and establishing a vast technical facility. All of my students are expected to keep a practice journal as way to encourage logging their own progress and goals. Read More