Saxophone Lessons in Whittier, CA

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola Saxophone Flute Clarinet Oboe English Horn Acoustic Guitar

Music is experienced ears-first, and that's how I prefer to teach. I certainly teach everyone to read music if they don't already know how, but I really like to help people hear the music they want to make. This is done through listening assignments, playing with my students during lessons, some music memorization, and singing. I also incorporate a lot of improvisation games to get students making sounds pressure-free and help them access their inner expressive voice. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute

I love to see my students get excited about music! I try to ignite the flame and get them to develop an interest of their own. Music should be a fun and positive part of our lives. While it's important to have fun, I also make sure students are gaining a solid foundation in the technical facility of the instrument. The sooner we can navigate the instrument without limitations, the sooner we can focus on the music itself! I like to incorporate duets, popular music, ear training, notation, and spontaneity in lessons. 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 Saxophone Flute Clarinet

For younger beginning students, I typically use a method book, such as Accent on Achievement or something similar. For older beginners, I typically use the Rubank beginner's book. With this book, the student learns the fundamentals for their instrument. Once the student demonstrates an understanding of this, we will move on to sheet music. For more advanced students, we will typically use an etude book like Klose to explore the technical aspects of musical performance (such as technique development, phrasing, dynamics, etc.). Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

I am a professional saxophonist, composer and instructor who loves to share my knowledge with my students. In 2009, I graduated Berklee College of Music with honors with a Bachelor of Music degree in Jazz Composition, Saxophone performance and Orchestral Conducting. I have had the chance to perform in different parts of the world with some of the greatest Jazz and Latin Jazz musicians in the scene such as Arturo Sandoval, Alex Acuna, Ramon Stagnaro, Hector Martignon, Roberto Quintero, among many others. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Flute Clarinet Music Keyboard

My approach to teaching music is guided by my deep passion for the art form. I focus on individualized learning, building strong foundations in theory and technique, and encouraging creativity. Patience, positive reinforcement, and setting goals are key elements in my teaching. I believe in holistic learning that encompasses history and culture. Performance opportunities boost confidence. I emphasize lifelong learning, hoping to instill a lasting love for music in my students. Read More

Instruments: Voice Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder

My teaching style is very much praxial and based off of skill reinforcement. For any instrument, I will incorporate the Kodaly method (solfege) of musicianship into the curriculum. For me, my goal is to teach the student how to learn for themselves. I focus on practice techniques, assessment of tone, sound, rhythms, pitches, etc. Rather than spoon feed all of the answers to the students, I wish to encourage each musician to develop their own critical mind towards the art that they create. Read More