Saxophone Lessons in Fountain Valley, CA

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums

I'm an extremely dedicated and passionate performing artist, composer, and instructor with a BM in Jazz Studies from the USC Thornton School of Music. I love all aspects of playing, teaching, and writing music, but my favorite part is sharing my passion with others and watching a similar passion grow in themselves. I have been playing saxophone for about 12 years, flute and clarinet for 7, and drums and piano for the past 3 years (so I can only accept beginning drum and piano students.) I love all types of music and will work with you on any genre you want to work on while improving your overall facility on your instrument! 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 Saxophone Flute Bass Guitar Music Keyboard

I believe in using your ears as the most important tool. Which means I believe in playing music rather than reading it. Growing up playing music by ear. I prefer this way of teaching and only use sheet music as an assistant to help the student get to a certain goal. As a teacher I can help you grow your abilities on your instrument. Help you achieve the cool warm sound you want from the saxophone. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute

I am a young and motivated woodwind instrumentalist. I started playing at very young age and since the very beginning of my career I had the honor of touring with many prestigious woodwind orchestras and to perform all around Europe in venues like the Palau De La Musica in Valencia (Spain), The Music Certament of Kerkrade (Netherlands) and many others. I graduated from Berklee College of Music (Boston, MA) where I had the opportunity to study with some of the masters of jazz music as Ed Tomassi, Dave Santoro, Jim Odgren and complete my education in music tecnology and audio engineering. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

I have taught students of all ages and skill levels, ages 5 through adult for piano, and ages10 through adult for saxophone and clarinet, all skill levels. Many of my past students have gone on to perform in competetions and recitals and still have a great passion for playing their instrument and continue to practice and perform. Working with students of a diverse age range, I have learned much about how every student learns differently and at their own pace. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola Saxophone Flute Clarinet Oboe English Horn Acoustic Guitar

I use a wide variety of methods depending on the student's current ability level, musical preferences, and goals. I'm also willing to work with a method or book that a student is currently using. Generally, my students have a varying ratio of technique/scale study to work on the foundations, an etude/short piece study to help connect musical ideas and teach expression, and a solo piece that is prepared over a long period of time, most likely for a future recital. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

During a lesson I tend to organize the lesson so that there are three or four parts. Usually I begin with long tones then we move to articulation. Then I usually incorporate a few small musical studies that cater to style and performance type. During this time it is important for the student to pay attention to the timbre of their performance. Next I cater to the students ability to create their own character with a solo. Read More