Trumpet Lessons West

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: Trumpet

I received my first major experience teaching at the collegiate level while I was a teaching assistant at Penn State University. From 2016-2018 I taught 15 college students ranging from undeclared freshmen to a 3rd year Physics PhD student. Moving to Southern California, I began teaching at LAMUSART, an arts school serving the community of East Los Angeles, providing quality and affordable lessons and opportunities to students in the area. I encourage students to seek out and create their own performance opportunities. Read More

Instruments: Piano, Voice, Trumpet, Trombone, Synthesizer, Recorder, Euphonium, French Horn, Music, Keyboard

Finding out what inspires the student helps me to construct my instruction to their needs. It is important to understand that each student has their own progression. I make sure to always set realistic goals for my students at each lesson and to acknowledge their accomplishments. This often encourages and excites the student to continue in their progression! I keep it light and I make sure that the student enjoys my lessons and look forward to the next one. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

Each student is a unique person with unique abilities, strengths and weaknesses. Therefore, each lesson must be tailored to that students needs and wants, whether they speak them or they are witnessed through their playing. Goals must be kept realistic and manageable, and praise must be given to those who accomplish their goals and make progress. Finding such inspiration, I can help the student achieve all that they desire in music. Read More

Instruments: Piano, Guitar, Voice, Violin, Trumpet, Trombone, Saxophone, Flute, Bass Guitar, Organ, Synthesizer, Accordion, Ukulele, Mandolin, Keyboard, Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar

Though there are many different ways to teach, I will gravitate more towards my preferred learning style which is through discovery and analysis. I enjoy finding different ways to tackle one specific task and I enjoy taking part in that journey with my students. Those moments when their eyes light up when they realize a whole new dimension of possibilities just opened up for them because they found a new piece to the puzzle. Read More