Saxophone Lessons in Hacienda Heights, 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

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 Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums

My methods depends on the skill level and interest of the student. Fundamentals are key, but I always try to incorporate them with music that the student is interested in learning. I believe that music should never be boring, and practicing should never be a chore! I also believe that musicians of all skill levels can and should improvise, as it is a fundamental form of creative expression that is often overlooked by classically trained musicians. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

I like my students to tell me what they would like to get from taking lessons. I then integrate what they want to learn with what I think they should learn. While learning a song or piece of music, I teach the student pertinent music concepts and saxophone technique. I find giving students scales and exercises to learn without context is often discouraging for them because they are not sure why and how they apply in other music situations. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums French Horn Oboe

The methods that I choose to use with my students depends on what they want to learn. Some students want to just play classical music, some pop, some jazz, some marching band, etc. Therefore I do not use the same teaching methods for all students. With that being said, I do make certain that all of my srudents understand the basic elements of music, i.e., time and key signatures, note values, melody, rhythm, harmony, pitch, intonation (if a wind instrument), form, theme and variation, etc. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

The best way of teaching is the one that makes your student develop a honest passion for music. While there's a core of exercises and practice routines that I teach to everyone, I have great respect for the peculiar interests of the single students and I introduce studies and repertoire that are close to their musical tastes and sensibility so that they'll feel accomplished and rewarded by realizing how their technical studies is helping them to play the music they love. 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 Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder Piccolo Music

My teaching approach is patient, flexible, and student-centered. I meet each student where they are, tailoring lessons to fit their individual needs, goals, and learning styles. Whether a student is preparing for auditions, learning a new instrument, or playing just for fun, we work together to set meaningful goals and achieve them step by step. I strive to make every lesson fun, engaging, and encouragingso students stay motivated, build confidence, and develop a lifelong love and appreciation of music. Read More