Voice Lessons in South, CA

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

My first emphasis is that you have to like what you're playing. I really try to focus on what music gets the student excited. For some of them, it comes quickly. Others it might take a while, and that is okay. Once I find the switch that engages the student's interest, that is my focus. I really emphasize getting students to read music and also understand the key components of music theory, so that they understand what it is they are playing. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums French Horn Oboe

I began teaching at the Xavier University Junior School of Music (Louisiana) at the age of 18. My teaching experience now spans 30 years. While most of my teaching, over the years, has been primarily private, I also have several years of classroom teaching experience. I enjoy teaching music because I believe that it is one of the most endearing methods of sharing information. One of my motto's is that I am an educator first, music is simply the vehicle by which I choose to educate. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For classical and opera singing, I teach a healthy Bel Canto technique rooted in the Italian school of singing. I am also skilled in teaching SOVT style, but I typically avoid it with beginning singers. For musical theater and pop, I teach healthy belting techniques that preserve vocal quality and focus on a connection to the chest and body, alleviating vocal tension. For my guitar students, I teach fingering techniques and basic chords first, and then I focus on giving each student a basic repertoire--several pieces they already know and like to showcase their abilities and track progress. Read More

Instruments: Voice

I believe that the best results will always come when students truly love what they are doing. Therefore, it is important to me to make sure that the class is enjoyable. I encourage students to set goals for themselves on what they need to accomplish at each lesson. Lastly, praise and acknowledgement must be given as much as possible. Sometimes, the error's you are making during a performance isn't about technique, but about self confidence. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Ukulele

I am a charismatic, fun, sensitive, and super-knowledgeable instructor ready to help you achieve your musical dreams! I left my Ph.D. in 2013 so I could perform and teach more on my own terms, and I am thrilled to be a working performer in New York City, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. My earliest musical training was in voice, and I have been an accompanist for many years, so I enjoy collaborating on helping vocal students express their highest potential. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I am a music composer and vocalist who enjoys writing music that breaks harmonic and timbral conventions. I have spent the past 12 years of my life studying to become a better musician, performer, and composer. I love to use my knowledge and experience to teach the next generation of musicians and performers. In 2016, I graduated from UC Berkeley with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Composition and Vocal Jazz Performance. 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