Trombone Lessons in Eagle Rock, CA

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder Fiddle French Horn Piccolo Oboe

For stringed instruments, I uses the Suzuki method for teaching the basic repertory of the instruments. This method is an ear training method in which the student plays by ear. It starts out very simple so students of all ages can learn and progress very quickly. For learning to read music I use one of the method books like "A Tune a day" or Strictly Strings which teach the fundamentals of read music and music theory. Read More

Instruments: Trombone

My first experience teaching was at the Saturday Conservatory of Music, currently based in San Gabriel, CA. I came on as the trombone teacher, but only acquired one student. This left me available to become a regular substitute and assistant for numerous other classes. I even taught the intermediate theory course for a semester. I spent a semester teaching music and English in Spain, and discovered an aptitude for approaching music from different directions. 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: Trombone

For beginning trombone students, I start by introducing the student to the basics: the mouthpiece by itself. Getting comfortable with producing clear, sustatined tones through the mouthpiece is the key to producing smooth, gorgeous melodies on the whole trombone. I start the first 10-15 minutes of every lesson just on the mouthpiece, and then have the student play unmeasured sustained notes (called "long tones"), exploring the range of the instrument. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone French Horn

I have been teaching brass instruments to students of all ages for over fifteen years now and I love it! I am very fortunate to have studied privately with many great teachers with varied teaching styles and philosophies which has helped me become a well-rounded educator.  I have also had the orpportunity to perform with numerous ensembles throughout the United States and around the world. Playing the trumpet and french horn, I have performed in countless ensembles including orchestras, concert bands, jazz ensembles, brass quintets, woodwind quintets, brass bands, marching bands, drum and bugle corps, rock groups, circus bands, and many others. 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

Instruments: Piano Trombone Synthesizer Keyboard

My aim as an instructor is to help each student progress in their own goals an aspirations by adapting and providing the information necessary to be set on a path directed towards his or her individual journey within music. I prefer having a good balance between technical facility of the instrument and the study of the music itself, whether that be in understanding a genres history, improvising and creating music, or transcribing and listening to music within the field of directed study. Read More