Trumpet Lessons West

Instruments: Piano, Trumpet, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba

For my students on I usually have them play out of the Alfred's Basic Piano Library. For other instruments we usually look at where students levels are at and work from there. From there I find what they like to practice and work on so they are able to grow. I also give my students scales each week to work on to use as warm-ups and build their dexterity. For my students we also look at the theory behind the music we are playing and use various theory worksheets that work on rhythm or we work out of a basic theory book that works best for the student. Read More

Instruments: Piano, Guitar, Voice, Violin, Cello, Viola, Trumpet, Trombone, Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet, Drums, Bass Guitar, Harmonica, Ukulele, Recorder, Electric Violin, Fiddle, Double Bass, Keyboard, Electric Guitar, Classical Guitar, Acoustic Guitar

You become great by how much effort you put into the application of my guidance through your own practice." I cannot make you the performer you want to be. I can only guide you through the process. This is why I am always excited to bring on a new student. Each student I have worked with holds a special place with me. I strive for those key moments when my student comes to a new musical understanding. Read More

Instruments: Piano, Trumpet, Trombone

Over the years, I have taught private lessons for kids and adults, and held clinics and masterclasses at public schools in Portland and Eugene. After almost 15 years of teaching, I can affirm that no two people learn the same! Therefore, my teaching style is 100% student focused. I offer a wealth of material in all genres, so I can understand what kind of music the student really loves, and then go from there. 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

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 Dizzys Club Coca-Cola, the Smithsonian Institute, and the New World Symphony. Read More

Instruments: Piano, Trumpet, Accordion, French Horn, Music, Keyboard

I find that metaphors using familiar things and processes, like the laws of nature and physics we see everyday, can help students grasp concepts that require marrying physical movements with mental flexibility. Perhaps we're discussing articulations and you're having trouble understanding stylistically how to approach and execute staccato with legato over it. We could turn to methods like the Breathing Gym to practice a physical manifestation of how that articulation should sound. Read More