Trumpet Lessons in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Euphonium Tuba

For students learning their first instrument and learning how to read music, I like to spend the majority of the time buzzing on the mouthpiece, breathing, as well as studying and playing easy warm ups such as Remingtons. This way students can build their fundamentals for their instrument at the same time they are developing better reading skills. For more advanced beginners I have them read easy etudes to develop their reading and overall musicianship. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Drums Bass Guitar Euphonium Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

With any student who is in a beginning sort of stage with their musicality, I will start off by teaching them basic techniques, simple notes or chords(dependent on the type of instrument), and rudimentary knowledge of the notational system. Once they have started to make some progress, I take a unique approach by asking them of their own opinion for where they would want to see themselves go. I do this to not only make it as exciting as possible for the student, but to help them achieve a vision they already have for themselves. 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 Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder Fiddle French Horn Piccolo Oboe

For stringed instruments, I uses the Suzuki method for teaching the basic repertory of the instruments. This method is an ear training method in which the student plays by ear. It starts out very simple so students of all ages can learn and progress very quickly. For learning to read music I use one of the method books like "A Tune a day" or Strictly Strings which teach the fundamentals of read music and music theory. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Accordion Ukulele Conga Latin Percussion Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My methods are the ones that works more for the student. For some reason some methods work better with certain people. One method can be tedious for a student and easy and fun for another. Hal Leonard's can be a good tool. I can use to many different books. Also I can write down specific exercises special for the student. Some times a student can learn faster without a book. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Clarinet

I have the goal of helping students look at music the way I do: with passion and inspiration. I encourage students to open their minds and set goals for themselves. For example, I would ask them the question, "By playing music, what do you want to accomplish?" I have asked this question to myself many times throughout my life thus far, and it has worked because I have accomplished so much. 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