Saxophone Lessons in Sun Valley, CA

Instruments: Saxophone Flute

With beginners, I focus on developing sound fundamentals. It's important to avoid any bad habits and beginning students are lucky in that they have the opportunity to establish proper technique from the very start. As students progress, I use books such as the Universal Method and Rubanks Duets to learn to read notes and understand rhythms. Duets are an amazing tool as they hold students responsible for their individual part, while still functioning as a supportive and interactive activity. Read More

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 Violin Viola Saxophone Flute Clarinet Oboe English Horn Acoustic Guitar

I use a wide variety of methods depending on the student's current ability level, musical preferences, and goals. I'm also willing to work with a method or book that a student is currently using. Generally, my students have a varying ratio of technique/scale study to work on the foundations, an etude/short piece study to help connect musical ideas and teach expression, and a solo piece that is prepared over a long period of time, most likely for a future recital. 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 Trumpet Saxophone Euphonium

I recently moved to Orange County from Napa, CA where a majority of my training in piano began. I got my bachelors in Biochemistry/Chemistry, and near the end decided that a change was needed! I immediately threw myself into piano and music and haven't looked back since. 4 recitals later, 20 students later, Chopin Etudes I never thought I would ever be able to play in my life later... here I am. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Saxophone Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For all students I access what your musical background is and what may be lacking from your knowledge and playing. I also ask what your particular goals and things you would like to learn are. From there then we will start to tailor the lesson as both us see fit. In general I like a student to be able to play three simple melodies before moving on to chords, rhythms, and music theory. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Saxophone Drums Mallet Percussion

I know that music is about developing a vocabulary. Developing the ability to construct music without the need for a teacher is the direction I like to go in. A good teacher will only guide the student not dictate to them. Having an interest in many styles of music allows me the chance to be more open to teaching the beauty of writing a simple 3 chord progression or orchestrating for a full orchestra. Read More