Trumpet Lessons in La Verne, CA

Instruments: Piano Trumpet

For beginners and younger students, I usually start with things that are low pressure, yet effective. As opposed to using textbooks, I prefer to write my own exercises in front of students so that they feel included in the process. I also normally let them help me write these, which helps with reading and understanding written music and how it's related to the instrument. My biggest emphasis for younger and less experienced students is to get them to try and play everyday, even just for 10-15 minutes and make it a habit. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Saxophone Euphonium

From the beginning phase, I figure out over the long-term what your student is motivated by and create a lesson plan around it. Some students like to compose their own songs and record them. Some like to write sheet music on the computer. Some love the enjoyment of the next challenging song on sheet music. I believe it is imperative a teacher has a malleable customizable approach for every student because we all have different personalities and preferences. 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

He is featured on the John Daversa Big Band's latest studio album, "American Dreamers". As a grad student at Miami, Derek was a guest lecturer in Jazz Pedagogy courses and guest conducted the Frost Studio Jazz Band. He has been a member of the Jazz Education Network since 2013 and the International Trombone Association since 2014. His teachers include Vern Kagarice, Jan Kagarice, Tony Baker, Steve Wiest, Andre Hayward, and Dante Luciani. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Synthesizer Keyboard

Nothing like strengthen the relationship between student and instrument. This can be accomplished  by providing a custom musicial lesson plan for the grow and  development of every student. I found out over the years a prepared teacher helps build a powerful musical bound between his or her students. I give 100% to each student and in return together we can make beautiful music for others to enjoy for years to come.  Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Saxophone Drums Mallet Percussion

When teaching I always discuss the interest the student has first. I can adjust to any method of teaching. Once we establish their goals, I make suggestions of various ideologies. I prefer to create the lessons weekly, and use the idea of theory, harmony, melody and rhythm as a building block in order to enable a student to move at their own pace. I start a student from the point where they are in terms of theory. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Synthesizer Recorder Euphonium French Horn Music Keyboard

For the younger beginning students, I usually start with Alfred's Beginning Piano Series. Once the student has a grasp of the fundementals, I will begin introducing major and minor scales as well as solo repertoire. For my adult students I will see their level of ability and musical interests, find appropriate material based on their taste and formulate the lesson to include fun stuff as well as build proper mechanics.  For my horn lessons depending on the skill level I being with Essential Elements or the Arban book and build from there incorporating solos of the greats, and songs that they want to learn to play. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums French Horn Oboe

The methods that I choose to use with my students depends on what they want to learn. Some students want to just play classical music, some pop, some jazz, some marching band, etc. Therefore I do not use the same teaching methods for all students. With that being said, I do make certain that all of my srudents understand the basic elements of music, i.e., time and key signatures, note values, melody, rhythm, harmony, pitch, intonation (if a wind instrument), form, theme and variation, etc. Read More