Saxophone Lessons in Granada Hills, CA

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

I always try to teach the student how to improvise, because I think that improvisation is the heart of music, is where you can learn how to express yourself instantly. I encourage a continuity in the practice, it doesn't have to be 3 hours a day, it could even de 20 minutes a day, as long as you develop a discipline for it. I also use my own material that will fit the level and skills of my current student, in addition to exisitng repertoire. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

I am a musician, performer, and educator located in the Los Angeles area, in Pasadena. I recevied my MA in Music in 2013, concentraing in jazz. I wrote a MA thesis about current jazz music in Los Angeles. I am very passionate about teaching and have been teaching privately for 5 years. My main instrument is saxophone, but I also teach clarinet and piano up intil the intermediate level. I perform regularly with mulitple gourps, I compose for many instruments, and I teach at various music schools throught the Los Angeles area. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Accordion Ukulele Conga Latin Percussion Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I Try to get away from mechanism without joy. Everything has to be close to the music. Exercises to be actually doing them with a rhythm and time. Other than doing things musically, practicing in different times and intentions help a lot for the student to be open to play songs in different ways. Technique and theory are necessary tools. To apply concepts musically they need to do it with musical taste. 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: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums

I have about eight years of professional performance experience, and six years of professional teaching experience. In that time, I have had the opportunity to perform with music and entertainment legends such as Robin Thicke, Fred Willard, Sinbad, Ndugu Chancler, and Edward James Olmos, as well as modern jazz legends like Joshua Redman, Peter Erskine, Bob Mintzer, Bob Reynolds, David Sanchez, Benny Green, Donny McCaslin, Joe Lovano, and many more. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

With private students, I customize my teaching methods to how each student best learns. I have several methods to teach most music concepts and saxophone technique so that I can better connect with each student’s learning style. I find students have a more enjoyable experience when I give them the chance to learn what they would like to play. For jazz students, I first have them identify a musician they enjoy listening to and begin exploring what makes that player unique. 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