Trumpet Lessons in El Toro, CA

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Saxophone Euphonium

I think it is absolutely important to develop a teaching style that is based around positive reinforcement. Praising when you like what the student did. When you can tell there is progress from week to week, telling Jonny that you can tell he practiced is a brilliant way to inspire Jonny to associate hard work with progress. I live by the mantra, 2 praises and a wish, meaning offering 2 words of REAL positivity followed by constructive criticism. Read More

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

With any student who is in a beginning sort of stage with their musicality, I will start off by teaching them basic techniques, simple notes or chords(dependent on the type of instrument), and rudimentary knowledge of the notational system. Once they have started to make some progress, I take a unique approach by asking them of their own opinion for where they would want to see themselves go. I do this to not only make it as exciting as possible for the student, but to help them achieve a vision they already have for themselves. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Accordion French Horn Music Keyboard

As I mentioned in the "about me" section, I served as principal horn with Държавна опера Стара Загора (the Bulgarian State Opera in Stara Zagora) from late 2017 to the very end of 2019, right before the pandemic hit. Before that, from 2016-2017, I taught public school for the first (and last) time in Natoma, Kansas, acting as the band, choir, and advanced music instructor. That same year I also taught at Fort Hays State University in Hays, Kansas as Interim Professor of Horn and also was a staff collaborative pianist. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola Trumpet Recorder Fiddle

I have been featured during that time as an on stage soloist and leader of backstage banda groups. I am also associate concertmaster of the California Philharmonic. Now that I am retired from the public schools and soon from the opera orchestra I have more time to teach privately and am looking forward to using my expertise and a performer and teacher to take students to any level they would like to go. 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: Trumpet Trombone Euphonium Tuba

I'm a down to Earth, patient teacher willing to help my students pursue their goal anywhere from getting into college, pursuing a career, or even helping someone fulfill their dream they never had time for. I live in South Pasadena, however during the school year I live in Pomona where I attend university at Cal Poly Pomona where I major in Tuba Performance. Despite the fact I play Tuba the most, I also play in the pep band as a lead trumpet. 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