Trumpet Lessons in Sun Valley, CA

Instruments: Piano Trumpet

For beginning students I like to focus on getting a great sound going. So I focus a lot on breath and relaxation. I work from Arbans, Clarke,Schlossberg and more, always creating lessons and plans to the students level of development. As the student grow so does the material I will present to them. 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: Piano Violin Viola Trumpet Recorder Fiddle

My goal is always to take students where they are: beginning, intermediate or advanced and help them discover and develop their own love of music. I do this through introducing music that develops their skill and gives them the satisfaction of playing music that they enjoy. It is not only about playing scales and such but learning to play musically so that people they may play for in the future will enjoy listening to them and they will enjoy sharing what they have learned. 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 Trombone Bass Guitar Synthesizer Euphonium French Horn Tuba Music

Of course, everything depends on what you, the student, want to learn! For younger students that are just starting, I've found the Accent on Achievement books to be very helpful in developing the basics of playing. From there, Classically-focused players would learn solo repertoire, Jazz-focused players would learn standards and improvisation, and all the other genres would begin to narrow down their appropriate fields. Adults are certainly welcome as well and I'd love to help them learn whatever they are interested in. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Euphonium Oboe Bassoon

I am very familiar with all of the standard piano methods, and will evaluate the student in the first few lessons to choose a method that they will be the most comfortable with.  I supplement all lessons with music theory and outside repertoire, allowing the students to choose from their favorite genres/artists.  For theatre, musical theatre, and vocal coaching, I also employ Linklater and Alexander techniques. I also really enjoy exposing students to styles, genres or artists that they might not be familiar with along with the history behind the music they're learning! 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