Saxophone Lessons in Los Alamitos, CA

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Synthesizer Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I was born into a musically inclined family, and I decided to be the first to take it to a professional level. I started on piano with songs from games and films I enjoyed, but I always tried to come up with something of my own. During high school, I joined the marching band on alto saxophone and taught myself to play and read music. I was section leader for 2 years. Read More

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 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: Saxophone

My teaching experience dates back to when I was in high school 7 years ago.Through community service I started teaching young children about music, jazz and the saxophone. Encouraging regular practice on a consistent schedule is one of the key points I like to emphasize for younger students, as it tends to help the student progress and gain a passion for the instrument. Along with the saxophone I try to teach my students at least a basic understanding of the piano because it is the foundation of most if not all of music. 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: Piano Guitar Violin Saxophone Bass Guitar Organ Acoustic Guitar

First of all, I would ask the student if music would be his/her career or just a hobby. If it is to be his/her career, my approach would be more theoretical. But if it would be just a hobby like mine, I would encourage the student to learn by ear supplemented with a little theory to be able to learn a musical piece or song in the shortest time possible. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Trombone Saxophone Clarinet

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for music. Therefore, it is important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. Acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel a student's desire to progress, and makes students eager to learn more. By trying to find out what truly inspires the student, I can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and the needs. Read More