Violin Lessons in West Adams, CA

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: Violin

Celebrating 20 years of teaching violin, I’m excited to open my studio to the Musika community. I have extensive experience in the traditions of Joseph Joachim, Jascha Brodsky, Ivan Galamian, and Dorothy DeLay. I graduated from the University of Southern California with a Bachelor of Music degree in Violin Performance studying under renowned violinist Alice Schoenfeld. My studies at USC focused heavily on solo, chamber, and orchestral work -- my performances included live radio, solo engagements, and appearances with leading orchestras. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

Creating a non-judgemental atmosphere, where students are free to experiment, make mistakes, and try again, is crucial for learning an instrument such as the violin. With this instrument, repeptition is key to learning. I also strive to set very clear, manageble goals, so students feel a sense of accomplishment at each stage. This sense of accomplishment is motivating to the student as well as the teacher! I often let students have a choice of which solo piece they get to play, as I have witnessed many past students rise to the ocassional to learn a piece they are passionate about! 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 Viola

My strong point as a teacher is figuring out how each student best learns. Everybody has a different style of learning, and I make sure to cater to the student's needs in that way. My lessons are light-hearted yet very productive. The most important skill for a student to have is to know how to practice efficiently. I set my students up for success by teaching them practice methods as well as looking at small details in the music in order to make them a better player. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Saxophone Bass Guitar Organ Acoustic Guitar

My love for music started at the age of 7 when my mom enrolled me in a piano lesson. I continuously played the piano and there was a point that I also studied the organ to be able to play as an organist in our church. When I was in high school, my interest shifted towards guitar because of the surge of battle of the bands and I luckily became part of our high school band as a lead guitarist. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola Trumpet Recorder Fiddle

I have an expertise in fiddling and have performed with bluegrass bands since being in high school. I also have a history of performing mariachi music with the famous band Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan. I enjoy teaching this to my students as well as American music with the method books of Mark O'Connor with whom I have worked on several occasions. Learning these styles if fun! I have also taught piano at the elementary and intermediate levels as well at the Piano Place Music and Arts Center in Westminster. Read More