Saxophone Lessons in West Hollywood, CA

Instruments: Saxophone Flute

My teaching approch is to offer a fully personalized course for each individual students, encouraging them to explore the instrument while understanding solid technical basis. My course is usually divided in 3 phases: 1 - Understanding the instrument (breathing, embochure, basic fingering) 2- Practice routine, scales and arpeggios, developing good instrumental tecnique using classical books. 3- Jazz and instrumental Improvisation. 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 Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I love teaching; it is my passion! But most of all, I get great satisfaction in sharing the love of music with my students.  Seeing the accomplishments, achievements, an growth of my students is the thing that continues to inspire and drive me. I encourage my students to have fun and have a say in the music selection process, because I want them to feel like they too get to choose the music that they want to learn and play. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Synthesizer

I have been blessed with patient and understanding mentors throughout my musical career and so I too want to give that to my students! Every child and every adult should be treated as if they have the potential to be the next great Duke Ellington or Stravinsky; every individual has a mass of potential that is just waiting to be drawn out and that is what I look for. I don't try to make the student to conform to my standards. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Saxophone Euphonium

From the beginning phase, I figure out over the long-term what your student is motivated by and create a lesson plan around it. Some students like to compose their own songs and record them. Some like to write sheet music on the computer. Some love the enjoyment of the next challenging song on sheet music. I believe it is imperative a teacher has a malleable customizable approach for every student because we all have different personalities and preferences. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar Ukulele Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

As stated in my bio my teaching experience especially given my age is extremely extensive. I started teaching saxophone at the age of 14 as a volunteer in the Songcatchers program in New Rochelle, a service that provided free private lessons to children who couldn't afford them. That progressed to teaching privately and in small groups as an upperclassman in high school for my band teacher and for extra money on the side. 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

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