Trombone Lessons in Crystalaire, CA

Instruments: Trombone

Every student is different, so I do my best to nurture musical growth and development at a pace that is feasible for each student as an individual. No two lesson plans are identical. Based on how confident the student feels with the prospect of moving onto the next level in their studies, I begin to assign goals for the next lesson. The size of those goals will vary depending on the skill level of the student, as well as how confident the student feels. Read More

Instruments: Trombone

My experience as a teacher spans from advanced college students working on technique and improvisation, all the way to helping beginners play their first notes on the trombone. Before relocating to LA, I was on faculty at the University of Texas Arlington and taught jazz trombone lessons, ensembles, and brass pedagogy. At the University of North Texas, I spent several years directing big band ensembles, while also privately teaching arranging and composition. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Bass Guitar Synthesizer Euphonium French Horn Tuba Music

Of course, everything depends on what you, the student, want to learn! For younger students that are just starting, I've found the Accent on Achievement books to be very helpful in developing the basics of playing. From there, Classically-focused players would learn solo repertoire, Jazz-focused players would learn standards and improvisation, and all the other genres would begin to narrow down their appropriate fields. Adults are certainly welcome as well and I'd love to help them learn whatever they are interested in. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trombone Drums Synthesizer Ukulele Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion Music Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

At our first lesson, we will dive into what YOU want to learn. It's my job as a teacher to facilitate a creative and challenging learning environment, but it's up to you, the student, to make the time we spend together something you would like to work on. I'm confident that we can both find common ground to stand on and find some great music to explore. Beginners will always use some sort of method book, learn to read music and rhythms. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Euphonium Tuba

For students learning their first instrument and learning how to read music, I like to spend the majority of the time buzzing on the mouthpiece, breathing, as well as studying and playing easy warm ups such as Remingtons. This way students can build their fundamentals for their instrument at the same time they are developing better reading skills. For more advanced beginners I have them read easy etudes to develop their reading and overall musicianship. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Euphonium Oboe Bassoon

I've been teaching in the greater Los Angeles area for almost 20 years, teaching students from ages 4 - 92 (yes, really! 92!). Levels range from beginning to professional, with advanced students having won scholarships and awards. I encourage all of my students to learn the language of music; to learn about their instrument and the best means of expression using that instrument.  For the past 8 years, lessons have been supplemented with an annual holiday recital where students have the opportunity to perform, which is an important part of the learning process! 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

Most recently Derek was the lead trombonist of the 2018 Disneyland All-American College Band. He has recently performed with Wayne Bergeron, Gordon Goodwin, Dave Holland, Randy Brecker, Dave Liebman, Jimmy Heath, Shaun Martin, Christian Jacob, John Beasley, Troy Roberts, Frank Greene, Brian Lynch, Jeff Jarvis, Steve Houghton, Jiggs Whigham, Sal Lozano, and John Clayton. Derek has had recent performances at Dizzys Club Coca-Cola, the Smithsonian Institute, and the New World Symphony. Read More