Trumpet Lessons in Culver City, CA

Instruments: Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet

With beginning students, I start with the fundamentals of the instrument, including embouchure and finger technique, as well as the ability to breathe properly, which is fundamental to playing any wind instrument.  I also introduce beginning students to basic musical concepts, such as reading music, and tailor the musical selection to their tastes or to whatever group they are playing in, most often a school band class.  For more advanced students, I observe what areas the student needs the most work in and tailor the lessons specifically to dealing with those areas, as well as catering to their individual musical tastes. Read More

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

I strongly believe that a well-rounded music education helps a player to become a more confident, musical, and an emotionallyyaware musician. As such, I like to give my students small assignments focused on topics besides just performance, such as Music Theory and Aural Skills exercises. Of course, I will always move at the pace the student needs but I also know (from personal experience) that a nudge in the right direction can be priceless. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Drums Bass Guitar Euphonium Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

When I see a smile on someone's face in the presence of a musical accomplishment, the spiritual reward for that service is something I live for! To be able to help a student attain their goals requires a flexible teaching style, that can cater to every type of person. Positive affirmations are a key ingredient to helping a student feel good about they mile stones, but remaining realistic for the student at the same time allows them to make progress at their own pace, and feel good about it nonetheless. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet

My teaching experience dates back to my high school, where I started mentoring younger kids and leading brass sectionals at my local high school. Throughout college, I began acquiring more students ranging from locals to fellow college students who were interested in picking up the trumpet as either a hobby or a secondary instrument. For my younger students, I've always tried to put a heavy emphasis on playing every day and starting with very basic, short exercises that help them quickly progress. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone French Horn

Through many years of teaching, I have found that being positive is the most effective way to help students succeed. Students should look forward to coming to their music lessons and thoroughly enjoy playing their instrument. I always try to avoid focusing on what a student is doing wrong, but instead point out ways to improve. If a student has the confidence and dedication to succeed, they are more than likely to do just that. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Accordion Ukulele Conga Latin Percussion Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I Try to get away from mechanism without joy. Everything has to be close to the music. Exercises to be actually doing them with a rhythm and time. Other than doing things musically, practicing in different times and intentions help a lot for the student to be open to play songs in different ways. Technique and theory are necessary tools. To apply concepts musically they need to do it with musical taste. 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