Derek R

5
5.0 (9)

Instruments: Piano, Voice
Styles: Classical, Musical Theater, Opera, Showtunes, Spirituals

Where I Teach:

In Your Home My Studio

Ages Taught: 19-80

Levels Taught:

EMAIL US OR CALL 877-687-4524

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ABOUT

Degrees / Training / Special Info:

BM, Oberlin Conservatory MMT, Oberlin Conservatory

Awards:

First Prize, Purcell-Britten Prize for Concert Singers, 1983 Special Prize, Leipzig Competition, 1984 First Prize, 35th International Competition 1986 Prix Spécial du Jury, Monte Carlo, 1988 Special Prize Second Prize, New York Oratorio Society, 1987

Overview:

My mother influenced my life as a musician. In 1969 she encouraged me to audition for the Newark Boys Chorus. I auditioned. I was accepted and sang in choir-school for three years, singing music from Renaissance to R&B. In 1980 I received a BM and MMT from Oberlin Conservatory. At Oberlin I met three great teachers who encouraged me to sing professionally. I pursued the career! Performance highlights are: The Metropolitan Opera, The Met Museum, The Wigmore Hall and The NY Philharmonic. It's been a complete joy sharing my gift to the world. I'd like to share my talent through teaching; given the chance.

EXPERIENCE

My experience as a voice teacher dates back to 1995. I was invited to teach several Masterclasses over the course of twenty years. The invitations came from institutions such as: The Oberlin Baroque Performance Institute, The Guildhall School of Music (London), The Cleveland Institute of Music, The Royal College of Music (London) and The Royal Conservatory of The Hague. I began teaching private lessons in my home studio in 2008 and in September of that year I was invited to join the music faculty at Oundle School, UK. I taught at Oundle School for six years.

METHODS USED

Assessment is the task during the first lesson. I must determine the student's voice type, and what style of music the student would like to pursue. If a boy's voice hasn't yet changed, I'll assess whether he is an alto or soprano. I'm a keen believer in teaching one to sightread and encouraging one to improvise with his/her instrument! For sightreading I shall introduce The Trinity College, Sound at Sight. If a student aspires to become a classical singer I shall introduce the Vaccai method of vocalizing. A great tool! Breathing techniques are important in lessons. The incomparable songbook-24 Italian Songs is my favorite to teach great songs from. It'll be a pleasure to share/teach some of these gems!

LESSON STYLE

My approach/style to teaching is quite straight forward. My first question is often how long has the student been studying. Does he/she play another instrument? What kind of music would they like to learn? Are they taking lessons for pleasure? If they are beginners or at an intermediate level; are they taking lessons to become professional singers? Whatever the reason, it gives me great joy to see 'the expression of wonder' when a student achieves his/her goals. I get the same pleasure from witnessing a beginner achieve the smallest task or hearing that a pupil of mine just advanced to another level in a competition or just ONE A PRIZE IN ONE! Music should touch the soul. Teaching and sharing this wonderful art form gives me great pleasure!

PHOTOS & VIDEOS

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RATING & REVIEWS

5.0 (9)

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Amy Allison

I work in a supportive housing facility and Derek has been teaching residents here for two years. Derek is one of the most talented peopleI know. A consummate musician and gentleman. He brings a special caring and professionalism to his teaching work and has an extensive and very distinguished career as a world class singer. Derek possesses a wealth of knowledge in both singing and piano technique. He is warm and supportive and his students love him- he treats each one as an individual and tailors his lessons according to what they need and want. I could not recommend him more highly.

Kate

Recently had a Vocal lesson with Derek and loved every second. He's inspiring, talented and eager to pass his knowledge on! Couldn't recommend him more if you want both confidence and technique to improve.

Callum Cheatle

Derek has been teaching me piano for a few months now, and he's really great! I'm progressing at a much quicker pace than I could have imagined, and am having a great time too. I would highly recommend him to anyone.

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