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Master of Music degree University of Miami Major: Studio Music and Jazz Performance Minor: Music Education
Bachelor of Music degree University of North Texas Major: Jazz Studies Minor: Music Education
2019 - Grammy Nomination for Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album with John Daversa
2018 - Disneyland All-American College Band
2016 - Scholarship to University of Miami
2015 - Winner of International Trombone Association’s Jazz Trombone Competition
2012 - Scholarship to University of North Texas
2012 - Jazz Band of America
2008-2012 - 4-Year All-State Trombonist
Hello and thank you for having an interest in my teaching profile! My name is Derek, and I am a 24-year-old musician originally from Indiana. I am a passionate and motivated instructor and look forward to meeting you and sharing my love of music with you. I have been teaching students of all ages for 10 years now. If it would interest you, please take a minute to read my biography to find out more about me!
Derek is a Grammy-nominated trombonist based in Los Angeles, California. Derek completed a BM in Jazz Studies from the University of North Texas in 2016 and an MM in Studio Music and Jazz Trombone at the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music in 2018. As a freelance musician in Los Angeles, Miami, and Dallas, he has been regarded as a first-call musician in many styles of music for the past 5 years.
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.
Most recently Derek was the lead trombonist of the 2018 Disneyland All-American College Band. He has recently performed with Wayne Bergeron, Gordon Goodwin, Dave Holland, Randy Brecker, Dave Liebman, Jimmy Heath, Shaun Martin, Christian Jacob, John Beasley, Troy Roberts, Frank Greene, Brian Lynch, Jeff Jarvis, Steve Houghton, Jiggs Whigham, Sal Lozano, and John Clayton. Derek has had recent performances at Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola, the Smithsonian Institute, and the New World Symphony. 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.
My teaching experience dates back to when I was in high school, when I began teaching beginning students of all instruments 10 years ago. I have been consistently teaching students in their homes, my home, and online for the past 5 years. I’ve found that introducing students to as many different styles of music as possible goes a long way in helping students enjoy playing their instrument and listening to recordings of their instrument. In addition to motivating students to enjoy practicing, I try to have as much fun in lessons as possible! I’m always looking to bring on new students of all ages.
For beginning students who are children, I typically start with Hal Leonard’s Essential Elements book, as well a basic understanding of music. Once the student has progressed to have a nice grasp of the fundamentals of music, I usually begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance. I also believe in the importance of listening to as many professional recordings as possible of the instrument the student is taking lessons on. For adults, I try to find out what each student is interested in and guide my instruction accordingly to their individual needs and interests. This keeps each lesson engaging and fun!
Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for music! Therefore, 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 this makes students eager to learn more. By trying to find out what inspires the students, I can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and needs. I wake up every day excited to teach eager music students of all ages!