Voice Lessons in South Laguna, CA

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 Acoustic Guitar

For my students, I like to see what type of music they are interested in and listen to a few of their favorite songs. From there we can learn chords (guitar, piano) and melodies for vocal lines. We could go the route of learning scales and theory, but since I didn't grow up learning that way, I'd prefer to go the more modern way by learning strumming patterns, chords, inversions, melodies and harmonies, and teach dynamics to make a song come together. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Banjo Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My approach is highly structured. We might start with warm-ups. This can mean, for example, Hanon exercises on the piano. Or playing scales on the guitar. I like to set tempos and practice rhythm as we run scales and chords. Sometimes I use a beat box. I believe in getting the client playing. I play only to demonstrate. I can also be a side player, and play a rhythm part, if the client is playing a solo. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Motivation is a key enabler of the learning process in my classes. I take great care to what motivates my students and make sure we celebrate the accomplishments that push them further. I make sure that students are also enjoying the learning process and are having FUN! I encourage students to try new things and have the experimental mindset that leads to success.I make sure that their passion is preserved and that they are productive and progressing in a smooth way.I take every chance to showcase my students work and achievements. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Synthesizer Ukulele Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I am a firm believer that the right teacher will save you years of time and money. My style is geared towards helping you establish a practice routine and a relationship with music that fulfills you during your entire music journey. For young students, I focus on building a healthy relationship with practice and learning that crosses over into all areas of study. I believe learning is great privilege and should be exciting! Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

Ive had mixed success with students singing in tune. Some have no problems. With others, Im working hard with them at recognising and singing high and low notes as well as pitch matching. From there, I teach them to play each song on the piano through imitation. Through spaced repetition and regular review, I expect them to play these pieces from memory. What Ive observed is that there seems to be a spectrum: some students have a far easier time of memorising the songs and playing them at the piano. 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