Saxophone Lessons in Holiday, CA

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet Music

I am a performer, composer, and educator who loves inspiring and cultivating a passion for music in my students. I received my Bachelor of Music degree in Saxophone Performance from Cal State Fullerton in 2017, and moved out to CT to pursue my Master's degree at the Hartt School and study with Carrie Koffman. I love performing in competitions, as a solo performer, and in chamber ensembles. I've also had opportunities to perform around the country and the world including California, China, and New York. 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

He is featured on the John Daversa Big Band's latest studio album, "American Dreamers". As a grad student at Miami, Derek was a guest lecturer in Jazz Pedagogy courses and guest conducted the Frost Studio Jazz Band. He has been a member of the Jazz Education Network since 2013 and the International Trombone Association since 2014. His teachers include Vern Kagarice, Jan Kagarice, Tony Baker, Steve Wiest, Andre Hayward, and Dante Luciani. 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: Saxophone

With private students, I customize my teaching methods to how each student best learns. I have several methods to teach most music concepts and saxophone technique so that I can better connect with each student’s learning style. I find students have a more enjoyable experience when I give them the chance to learn what they would like to play. For jazz students, I first have them identify a musician they enjoy listening to and begin exploring what makes that player unique. 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 Guitar Voice Violin Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Accordion Ukulele Conga Latin Percussion Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I started giving Music lessons 20 years ago. I began giving private lessons and group lessons part time in the afternoons after I finish school in the mornings. Young students come to me asking me for lessons after a Gig or performance. I found very interesting and exiting to see the progress of the students with my own personal methods. We follow a process with disciple but we also have fun and we go to the direction that the student feels more attracted. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

After graduating from the UC Irvine, I have been an active muscian in the Los Angeles music scene. I am a proffesional saxophonist and woodwind doubler and have played at many prostegious venues throughtout Southern California such as Catalina Jazz Club, the Blue Whale and Segerstrom Hall. I lead a modern jazz fusion band that has been featured on television and I am a sought after freelance musician due to my understanding of the Jazz and American musical tradition as well as my strong personal musical identity. Read More