Piano Lessons in Altadena, CA

Instruments: Piano Violin Music

It is an invaluable feeling to see my students grow a passion for music, to watch their progress, and to contribute to their learning. I encourage this with realistic goals by supporting each one of my students to progress at their own pace. I aim to help my students increase their desire to progress, by appreciating their success, and by trying to find out what inspires them, I can tailor my teaching to their wants and needs. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Trombone Saxophone Clarinet

My teaching experience immediately began after high school, as I began teaching lessons part time I wanted to grow more as an educator and grasped at the opportunity . I got the opportunity to become a marching band coach for high school. Much of the focus on my work was the testing of the memorization of students' music and music tonality of a section in the marching band whether it be low brass or woodwinds. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Keyboard

My teaching philosophy is pretty simple and I describe it with these three words clear, direct, and creative. I believe that when it comes to teaching a teacher must be creative, since not all students learn the same way. Also a teacher must be simple and direct in his teachings. A lot of the times teachers tend to give too much information that goes over the head of the students. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I know I'm doing my job when my student is growing not only in their abilities, but in their love of music! Ensuring that each student is learning repertoire that they enjoy at a pace that suits them is central to my teaching style. I love to find each student's strengths and celebrate them, as well as targeting goals for improvement in a warm, safe setting. I believe that music is meant to bring joy and healing to people, whether you are listening to it or making it. 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 Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Harmonica Recorder Electric Violin Fiddle Piccolo Oboe English Horn Keyboard

I am a classical trained musician. I was brought up in Bloomington Indiana, the home of the no.1 rated music school in the States (by the teacher's association). Ever since I was 10, I was involved with the University music life. I had the fortune to study with Janos Starker - perhaps the greatest cello technician in the world! His playing style is comfortable, clean, natural, and free of tension problems. Read More