Saxophone Lessons in Whittier, CA

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: Saxophone Flute

I am a young and motivated woodwind instrumentalist. I started playing at very young age and since the very beginning of my career I had the honor of touring with many prestigious woodwind orchestras and to perform all around Europe in venues like the Palau De La Musica in Valencia (Spain), The Music Certament of Kerkrade (Netherlands) and many others. I graduated from Berklee College of Music (Boston, MA) where I had the opportunity to study with some of the masters of jazz music as Ed Tomassi, Dave Santoro, Jim Odgren and complete my education in music tecnology and audio engineering. 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 Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Euphonium Oboe Bassoon

I try to have as much fun as possible while still maintaining a high expectiation of performance.  I am, by trade and training, a comedian, so jokes and laughter abound. Most of my students might say I'm not as funny as I think I am, but we still have fun! I am, however a stickler for learning the basics of music theory and correct use of vocabulary. Students won't move on to the next level until I know they have a firm grasp of prior concepts. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I began teaching as a student at OSU, then started teaching shortly after moving to California. I have been fortunate to have experience teaching students both individually and in group settings. My private students have been of all ages and different levels. One commonality I have found between students in these different settings is that they all have different goals and things that motivate them. With this in mind, I try to provide lessons that meet the individual needs of the student, while also keeping them engaged. 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 Guitar Voice Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar Ukulele Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I parlayed that into a full time business by my last semester of college during which I took on an abundance of private students in Rochester, NY and single handedly implemented the Cornerstone Academy's music program in Brockport, NY. When I returned to the tri-state area in August 2008 in the midst of the recession, I thought it would be in both my best interest, as well as the most effective way of strongly supporting and teaching a variety of budding musicians, to continue to expand and build my studio of private students. Read More