Trombone Lessons in Upland, CA

Instruments: Trombone

I have been playing professionally since 2018, with performances all over LA ranging from jazz combos to salsa bands. I also have notable performances such as opening for The Marias (2018), and recording trombone for BTS on their hit song, "ON" (2019). I also am a strong composer that focuses on as many genres as I play. I believe all musicians should be well rounded and be aware of the business and how to actually pursue this as a career. Read More

Instruments: Trombone Bass Guitar Euphonium

I have been teaching Trombone and Bass to students of all ages for over 15 years and still love giving students the tools and technique to progress and achieve their goals as musicians. Seeing the moment it "clicks" for a student and watching them improve as players and the change that makes in their own image and self confidence is one of the most satisfying aspects of teaching music. My professional career has taken me around the world and allowed me to do and see things I never would have dreamed. Read More

Instruments: Trombone

I always start with a warm up, followed by scale studies. From there we move to etudes, and solos or concerti, and end with excerpts from books like the Mueller technical study or Arban book. For more advanced students and jazz players, I like to start with a warm up, scale study, learn tunes and the blues, big band charts, and end with listening and transcriptions. Overall, the most important thing a student can develop is a full tone and personal sound. Read More

Instruments: Trombone

Every student is different, so I do my best to nurture musical growth and development at a pace that is feasible for each student as an individual. No two lesson plans are identical. Based on how confident the student feels with the prospect of moving onto the next level in their studies, I begin to assign goals for the next lesson. The size of those goals will vary depending on the skill level of the student, as well as how confident the student feels. Read More

Instruments: Trombone

The lessons are structured and built around the needs of each individual student. We begin by exploring strengths and weaknesses, and then customize materials and methods based on this. At the center of my pedagogical philosophy is a style of learning built on positive reinforcement, using methods that are supported by research on brain development and learning. For older students that are more driven, we also spend more time on developing effective strategies for individual practice, and together we set clear developmental goals. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Euphonium Tuba

Absolutely the most important thing that happens for me in a private lesson is to see a development in a student's personal relationship with music. Through having students record personal goals at each lesson I have seen how fast students can learn to meet and in many cases exceed these goals. I know from experience how good it feels to work hard at a musical goal that I accomplish and it is not only my joy as a teacher but an important focus of mine to celebrate those successes with my students. 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