Viola Lessons in West Covina, CA

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola

I became the musician I am today because I was privileged to have many mentors who not only provided me with excellent technical training and numerous rare opportunities, but also with strong motivation and clear emotional guidance. Now I strive to be that kind of mentor and teacher for my students, engaging each one on a personal level, and providing the kind of opportunities for growth that my teachers provided for me. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola Trumpet Recorder Fiddle

I like to start out beginning string students with Essential Elements 2000 by the Hal Leonard company. They have a complete system which includes professionally recorded accompaniments which provide a model for the student to hear how to play with good intonation, tone and rhythm which are the most important basics. In addition I recommend other sheet music with piano accompaniment or books with CD accompaniments that can be performed for friends and family. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

For beginning students, i like to start with the Essential Elements method book. The pieces in this method book are good for beginners because they are short and simple. For more advanced students, I like to delve into the Suzuki method books and then into more advanced solo repertoire from there. However, each student is different, so each student's lesson may look different. I also like to see what pieces or scales the student is interested in learning and incorporate that into the lesson plan. 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: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Viola Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Ukulele Electric Violin Double Bass Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Most of all I enjoy sewing the seed of passion that I received when I began playing my first guitar at the age of 8, and nurturing that which has brought me to love and enjoy the music I experience everyday of my life. I hope that everyone of my students gets out of the each lesson exactly what they came for and more. Whether you are looking for a hobby, trying to reach mastery, or just want to learn a few tunes for a loved one, I want to focus the lesson to your desire. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Fiddle

I am a violinist and fiddler based in Echo Park, and have been teaching privately as well as in public schools and music camps for about eight years. In 2013 I graduated from UCLA with a degree in Ethnomusicology, and have since been writing, recording and performing with several ensembles in a variety of genres. I have won competitions as a solo fiddler, in bluegrass ensembles, and with bands performing original compositions. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Viola Mandolin Acoustic Guitar

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for music! Therefore, it's important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. Acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel a students desire to progress, and makes students eager to learn more. By trying to find out what inspires the student, I can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and needs. Read More