Flute Lessons in Signal Hill, CA

Instruments: Piano Flute

I believe one can grow as a musician at any age, expertise, and understanding. I do use printed method books for my students to guide them along the process (Hal Leonard, Rubank, Taffanael and Gaubert Bernstein to name a few) for the child, methods and scales will be assigned to teach proper technique and positioning. For the adult, depending on their interests, different types of reading music material will be introduced. 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: Piano Flute

We set realistic goals and make music fun for all! it's important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. Acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel a students desire to progress, and makes students eager to learn more. By trying to find out what inspires the student, I can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and needs. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute

There's a thing about certain musicians who have made it very far. For example, Charlie Parker never would've been Charlie Parker if Jo Jones didn't chuck a cymbal at him when he messed up. He never would've wanted to sit and practice for hours and hours a day to become who he became. I won't go that far, but it's just an example, I will give good constructive criticism to make sure that my students progress as much as they can to become the next Charlie Parker. Read More

Instruments: Piano Flute Music Keyboard

Aim for 5 to 6 days of practice EVERY week. Consistency is key, even if it is only for 15 minutes! Whatever you do, make sure you practice right after your lesson AND the day following - retention will be 90%! When practicing, aim 3 times in a row flawlessly. For longer and more challenging pieces, be sure you are practicing in small sections. A fun way to do this is through the Penny Game or cards and counters ask me how! Read More

Instruments: Voice Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder

I have taught music since I was in Highschool. It wasn't just lessons for middle schoolers or young children. I taught and ran my high school's Jazz Band when I was a Junior and Senior. Due to a lack of funding, it was not a regular class, so it was up to me to take the reigns. Since then, I have grown and taught many more private students, but also different schools and places. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute

I love to transmit to my students the passion that led me into music, without that it would have been impossible to pursuing my career in the first place. I encourage them to listen and explore different style of music and experiment with improvvisation, having fun and learning at the same time. Read More