Violin Lessons in Terminal Island, CA

Instruments: Violin

I create a personalized lesson plan for each and every student I teach, because not everyone learns the same way. I incorporate music and exercises from a variety of different books in a way that I think would best suit my student. I will often also have my students learn music that has a part for a second violin, so that I can accompany them. For a complicated instrument like the violin, learning left-hand technique comes before right-hand technique, and then combining them together. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin

I stress the basics: scales, arpeggios and chords for piano and scales and double stops for violin. In regard to the piano, I have students practice each hand alone before combining them. Generally two pieces are assigned for students to work on and that work is continued for several weeks. I emphasize sight reading and rhythm. These are two aspects of music that are difficult for many. In regard to reading, the names and purposes of the various signs and symbols must be learned. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Bass Guitar Double Bass Music Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I know everyone learns  at different speeds so making sure they are comfortable yet challenging is important to me.Being able to know when the student is enjoying and not making it a chore is a key to helping and encouraging a student learn. Watching them progress in their insturment is rewarding in of itself and nothing is more satisfying. As the student starts to see him or herself accomplish each lesson I like to praise, push and encourage to keep on. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin

For beginning students, I work with a student for violin on the parts of the instrument and the bow. Few students learn quick on the parts of the violin and the bow.I used the violin books on All for Strings by Robert Frost and Kjos music company from San Diego. I go over the repertoire from a student to play the rhythm slowly and hearing the pitches for the school homework. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Music

It is an invaluable feeling to see my students grow a passion for music, to watch their progress, and to contribute to their learning. I encourage this with realistic goals by supporting each one of my students to progress at their own pace. I aim to help my students increase their desire to progress, by appreciating their success, and by trying to find out what inspires them, I can tailor my teaching to their wants and needs. Read More

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola

In my lessons, I take an integrated approach to music education, drawing connections between music of practically any style, genre, or tradition; between musical technique, analysis, and expression; and between music as an abstract entity (e.g., a score, an acoustic phenomenon) and the cultural and historical context in which it is both composed and performed. I work on music not only from the Western classical tradition, but also from pop, rock, jazz, and folk music from around the world, as I believe all musical styles are worthy of exploration and consideration. 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