Trombone Lessons in La Mirada, CA

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Euphonium Tuba

I discovered at a young age a passionate love for music and music making and have had a joy and blessing to be able to share that love with audiences and students alike. I graduatedCum Laude from Northern Illinois University in 2009 with two degrees in trombone performance and music education. Performing with a variety of world-class musicians has been a privilege and a joy that I try to share with my students. Read More

Instruments: Trombone

My experience as a teacher spans from advanced college students working on technique and improvisation, all the way to helping beginners play their first notes on the trombone. Before relocating to LA, I was on faculty at the University of Texas Arlington and taught jazz trombone lessons, ensembles, and brass pedagogy. At the University of North Texas, I spent several years directing big band ensembles, while also privately teaching arranging and composition. Read More

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

For the younger beginning students, I usually start with Alfred's Beginning Piano Series. Once the student has a grasp of the fundementals, I will begin introducing major and minor scales as well as solo repertoire. For my adult students I will see their level of ability and musical interests, find appropriate material based on their taste and formulate the lesson to include fun stuff as well as build proper mechanics.  For my horn lessons depending on the skill level I being with Essential Elements or the Arban book and build from there incorporating solos of the greats, and songs that they want to learn to play. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Euphonium Tuba

I've had over nine years of trumpet playing experience, three years of euphonium/baritone experience, and four years of tuba experience. I've taught many students in a formal and informal setting, from one on one sessions to group sessions ranging from two to eight students. I find teaching to be fulfilling and educational for both the student and myself. I have spent these past two years learning as much as I can and I feel like I have a great deal to offer students ranging from a beginning to intermediate level. 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: Trumpet Trombone French Horn

Through many years of teaching, I have found that being positive is the most effective way to help students succeed. Students should look forward to coming to their music lessons and thoroughly enjoy playing their instrument. I always try to avoid focusing on what a student is doing wrong, but instead point out ways to improve. If a student has the confidence and dedication to succeed, they are more than likely to do just that. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trombone Drums Synthesizer Ukulele Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion Music Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

After I first received my Bachelor's Degree from CSU Fullerton, I opted to showcase my original music through distinct outlets. One of the resulting projects, themattsmithneujazztrio, has recorded three full-length records; my other project, JUICEBOX, has recorded two. I gained a masters of music in jazz drum set from California Institute of the Arts, where I was honored to record my own composition for the CalArts, 30th Annual Jazz CD at Capitol Records. Read More