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Here are just a few of the many teachers offering Piano lessons in Aliso Viejo . Whether you are looking for beginner guitar lessons for your kids, or are an adult wanting to improve your skills, the instructors in our network are ready to help you now!
Instruments: Piano
For BEGINNING students, I teach piano but also theory as well. In order to play the piano accurately, the student must know theory. I teach using James Bastien's primary-level 4 books. Within those books, they offer a Piano book, Theory book, Performance book, and a Technic book. Depending on the child's level and ability to play, I will incorporate what I see is the best book to use for each individual student. 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
I began piano study at the age of 5 and began teaching privately at a young age. I have taught piano and been staff accompanist at Chatham College in Pittsburgh, Pa. and Fairmont State University in Fairmont, W.Va. I am a member of: Music Teachers Association of California, Music Teachers' National Association, National Guild of Piano Teachers, American Guild of Organists, AFM, Local 47. She is a founding teacher for the Carnegie Hall Royal Conservatory: The Achievement Program. I adjudicate for MTAC, MTNA, NGPT, SYMF and other California festivals and competitions. I present lecture/recitals on women composers and their music at a variety of conferences throughout the United States and had the privilege of premiering the First Piano Sonata by Nancy Van de Vate at the 2001 Amalfi Music Festival in Italy. Read More
Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar
My guitar playing is based on feeling, so every note that I play or write on a song has some meaning to me, I am not going to play whatever just to fill up space in your record or live shows. Keeping in mind that I am from Chile, I have a different spice in my sound that you can find in Latin American artists. I am a big fan of Cumbia, Bachata, and dancing rhythms that you dont commonly find in the USA. Read More
Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet
I like to teach students in a way that encourages them to think for themselves and learn how to correct their own mistakes. I think it is important for students to develop a solid practice routine, which they can use for years to come. I like inspiring students by going beyond learning their instrument to helping them understand the history of their instrument and the music they are learning and the role/importance of music to them. Read More
Instruments: Piano Violin
I have enjoyed teaching both private and group music classes for over 15 years. I teach piano and violin . I teach a range of music styles from classical to folk to Mariachi Music. I received my degree from Loyola Marymount University. I have been a member of the Junior Philharmonic, Orchestra of California, Loyola Marymount University Orchestra and Beach Cities Symphony. I currently co-conduct the youth group Mariachi Alma Juvenil. I really enjoyed teaching students and seeing them progress from a novice to an intermediate to an advanced student. Read More
Instruments: Piano
No matter what skill level the student is at, I want to always make sure that the student is always engaged and interested in the repertoire! I find that more important than anything else, as I want to build that passion within each and every student to be able to not only play piano, but to love and cherish its history. I want to develop a personal connection with each student I teach, and cooperate with whatever needs they may have. Read More
Instruments: Piano Flute Piccolo
If you have a Music Degree, what is it in (Performance, Education, Musicology, Theory, Composition, etc) and why did you choose that degree?
When I was in highschool, our church pianist had to take a leave of absence to take care of her sick child. There was noone else in the church who was willing to take on the responsibility of playing for the congregation, choir, and ensembles, so I started practicing VERY hard! I enjoyed accompanying very much, and was taught to follow the singers' lead by my father, which has been very helpful over the years. So, when I got to college, I naturally chose to study church music which included private lessons in piano, hymnplaying, and organ.
What is your dream piece to perform and why?
I love the Rachmaninoff 2nd concerto. My brother played this when I was in high school, and he needed someone to practice the orchestra part. So, we lifted our upright that was in the spare room up on it's end, and wheeled it out to the living room beside our baby grand. We'd sit for hours with him playing the piano part, and me playing the orchestra part, badly! :) But, we had fun, and it would be amazing to perform the piece myself with a live orchestra one day! My brother did perform the first movement with a live orchestra, so he has me beat!
If you weren't a musician what do you think you'd be doing instead?
If I weren't a musician, I would probably be sewing bags like my sister in law. My mother is a seamstress, and she taught me how to sew from a very early age. I tried to start a bag business a few years ago, making all kinds of different coloured bags in trendy colours. It was so much fun...the first three bags. After that, I got quite bored, and by the 6th bag I put the fabric away. Every once in a while I get the sewing machine out, and get my fix, only to put it away for another 6 months. But, I taught my sister in law how to make them, and she has little business now, so all was not lost!
What is your favorite style/genre of music to play and why?
I like to play hymns, and arrange hymns, taking something old, and creating something new and beautiful. I like to take a simple accompaniment, and utilize the silence to create something quiet and peaceful. I enjoy accompanying voice and instrumentalist, and especially enjoy the challenge of following a free musician. After that, I enjoy Mozart and Bach. Mozart is simply relaxing once you have learned the piece. Bach is challenging but rewarding. My teachers told me off for this, but I do enjoy letting my mind drift once I have learned a piece to any and everything.
If you play more than one instrument, how did you decide to start playing the second? (Or 3rd, 4th, 5th, etc)!
I started playing the piano when I was 8, but at 10 we were offered instrument classes at school. I wanted to drop the piano and just take flute, but my parents wisely insisted I do both or just piano. So I continuted to take piano and flute through highschool. I loved playing the flute in band and orchestra, and I joined the carolina youth symphony my senior year of highschool, playing the flute and piccolo. We played so much fun music, which required much practice. I considered becoming a performance major, but performing solo was intimidating as a highschooler, and so I chose to do church music instead.
Does music run in your family? Tell us a little about your musical family members.
Yes, music does run in my family. My father played the trombone, and sang in choirs for most of his highschool and college years. My brother also played the piano and the trombone and has played with several orchestras. He still plays the piano professionaly in private recitals.
When did you decide to become a professional musician? Was it a gradual decision or was there a defining moment for you?
Becoming a professional musician was not something I planned, but really something that just happened. The first student I had was recommended to me by my flute teacher. Then, one by one, people would just ask me if I taught lessons after hearing me play or that I teach. I took a break while my children were small, but as soon as they were able, I started teaching them piano lessons, and then doubled them up with other students for group lessons. Now, as they are older, I teach private lessons to others as well.
25 Years
Since We Started
41,456+
Happy Customers
10,769
Cities with Students
3,123
Teachers in Network
Trusted as the industry leader, for over 21 years the teachers in our network have been providing Piano lessons in Aliso Viejo to students of all ages and abilities.
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