Trombone Lessons in Gardena, CA

Instruments: Trombone

My teaching style is unique in that I do not push directly for quality. I believe that quality should be the natural product of efficient practice, which can only be achieved by early introduction to good technique, good habits, and positive motivation. When I start with a student, my goal is to make them smile and laugh. Students with a positive association with their instrument and playing it will be more inclined to listen and more inclined to practice. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Ukulele Euphonium Tuba

Each student is unique and requires a customized approach to realize their goals. I don't believe in a "one size fits all" approach to students where they all play the same exercises, etudes, etc. I help students find what works for them, often times we create our own methods or modify existing ones to suit the needs of the pupil. I believe a solid foundation in the fundamentals of music can be very helpful, familiarity with music theory/terminology/notation. 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 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: Guitar Trumpet Trombone

I love sharing my knowledge of trumpet and music with students as well as inspiring creativity and the desire to learn. I believe it is mostly up to the student to teach themselves, I simply show them how to do this in the most efficient way. There are countless method books to choose from and most of them leave out the most important details of how to actually practice and get results. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Recorder Euphonium Tuba

In my methods of teaching I typically like to focus on what the students want to get better at while also incorporating fundamentals and good habits. I feel that this gives the student the ability to choose what they want to do as well as my chance to show them the right way to learn it and create good habits while playing the instruments. Usually older students I try to focus more on fundamentals and I play through method books like Rochuts or for more advanced students maybe the Bitsch book. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Euphonium Tuba

One of the pillars of learning that I hold to from my own experience as a private lesson student is the pursuit of excellence. I have been teaching individual lessons consistently for the last 8 years, and in that time I have learned that no two students are alike. I understand that each student requires my individual attention and focus and through that focus I make it a priority to learn how my student learns in order to provide the best, most fun experience they can have learning music and developing their skills. Read More