Cello Lessons in Costa Mesa, CA

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola Double Bass

Currently, I teach string instruments at the Yamaha Music School in Cerritos, California, and maintains my private music studio in Murrieta, California. I was very active in chamber music performance. I was a founding member of the University Faculty Chamber Music Ensemble, the Oxford Piano Trio, as well as the baroque music trio, Heinekens Circle. As a principal and an assistant principal cellist, I have performed with many different symphonies as a cello soloist. Read More

Instruments: Cello

I tend to tailor my method for the individual goals and desires of the student. Generally, for my beginning students, I assign a regiment of short pieces and technical etudes from a variety of method books. I find this to be an effective way to build technique while also cultivating musicality. As a student advances, I begin assigning works from the standard cello repertoire, which includes pieces such as Bach Cello Suites, concertos, and sonatas. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola

For beginning string student's, I use Essential Elements for Strings and Schroeder method books. Once the student has grasped the basic fundamentals and note reading, I begin to introduce solo repertoire from the Suzuki String method. Along with technical studies and solo repertoire, the student will learn scales ranging from one to four octaves. For beginning piano student's, I use the Bastein Piano series. This method is complete with a method book, solo repertoire, theory studies and scales. Read More

Instruments: Cello

Believing in the value of constructive criticism, I actively involve students in the evaluation process. I prompt them to reflect on their playing, encouraging them to identify aspects they appreciate and areas for enhancement. Embracing an open-door policy, I reassure students that no question is too trivial, creating an atmosphere that promotes curiosity and active participation. In addition to teaching instrumental proficiency, I emphasize the importance of effective practice techniques. Read More

Instruments: Cello

For beginning students, I like to start with the beginnig Suzuki books, and I incorporate many Suzuki methods into my teaching style. As an accompaniment to Suzuki, I also use Klengal's Technical Studies for the Violoncello, Vol. 1 in order to solidify a solid understanding of scales and hand positions. Once a student demonstrates appropriate dexterity, I begin to introduce solo repetoire that they would like to prepare for studio performances and any other pieces that they have an interest in playing. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Cello

I am passionate about music and sharing my knowledge and experience with children and young people, eager to learn and discover beauty of music. I graduated from "University of Music in Belgrade", with Master Degree of Arts in Cello Performance and teaching. Beside cello as a Major ,I also studied voice and piano as a mandatory class in University of Belgrade. I was a member of Belgrade "National Opera Theatre" and performed with many chamber orchestras, quartets, trios etc. 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

Hello and thank you for having an interest in my teaching profile! My name is Derek, and I am a 24-year-old musician originally from Indiana. I am a passionate and motivated instructor and look forward to meeting you and sharing my love of music with you. I have been teaching students of all ages for 10 years now. If it would interest you, please take a minute to read my biography to find out more about me! Read More