Violin Lessons in Laguna Woods, CA

Instruments: Violin Mandolin Electric Violin Fiddle

At the core, I believe everyone has a voice, and my job as a music teacher is to help someone realize his or her own voice. The violin is a hard instrument to master, and many people get discouraged when progress doesn't come faster. Thus, I exhibit patience and encouragement, always helping the students feel good about themselves. I try to find out each student's "heart-music," and use the same basic method with whatever style he or she really wants to play. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola Electric Violin

I have taught in the classroom and privately for over 10 years. When students start on their instrument I encourage the parents to be part of the lesson so they can help and encourage practicing at home. When the students are at a beginning stage I have them practice about 20-30 minutes a day. At the beginning the student is getting adjusted to the instrument and I don't want to push them too much. 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: Violin

My teaching style is more relaxed and less strict than other teachers, especially for beginner students, though I do emphasize the importance of consistent practice and listening. I believe that not only practicing, but also listening to what you are practicing, especially, pieces is very important for the development of the musical ear. When teaching, I like to have the student practice and play many examples from the book that is being used, especially if they are short examples. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Violin Drums Bass Guitar Ukulele Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music Acoustic Guitar

As of this updated bio due to COVID-19 (Nov. 2020), Greg has been doing a hybrid format of teaching, primarily through Zoom with some in person instruction while maintaining orders of social distancing and wearing masks. He is currently on faculty at Santiago Canyon College, Santa Ana College, Neal Music Instruction in Anaheim, WePlay Music in Irvine, and La Serna High School in Whittier. He has previously taught at the Saturday Conservatory of Music in San Gabriel, Suzanne Middle School in Walnut, IvyCrest Montessori in Fullerton, and Music & Arts in San Dimas and Mission Viejo. Read More