Violin Lessons in Lancaster, CA

Instruments: Violin Viola

I teach a combination of Suzuki and traditional methods. I grew up as a Suzuki student, but in my professional teaching life have learned to add additional methods into lessons to supplement training. For young, beginner students, I start them off with a method book like "All for Strings," which teaches first by rote. Not long after the students achieve the basic skills of the violin, we incorporate the Suzuki method and note reading. Read More

Instruments: Violin

For beginning students I do follow the Suzuki Method to an extent, where they learn the main parts of the instrument and bow, how to hold it to prevent as much tension as possible, and some general ear training exercises to help with learning pieces. I have a list of games to do that especially work well with younger beginners, since their attention span is limited and I want to make the lesson time productive but also fun for them. 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

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: Violin Electric Violin

I try my best to keep lessons fun, especially with the younger students. For example, Sometimes we play music games, sometimes we walk/dance to learn about rhythm, sometimes we sing. I also have small group practices each month to combine students at about the same level, they play togher, they perform for each other, make constructive suggestions and encourage each other. Each student is very different, I usually try to get to know the student ( and parents) at the first few lessons so I know which approach works better to help the student. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Harmonica Recorder Electric Violin Fiddle Piccolo Oboe English Horn Keyboard

I teach combination of the Suzuki method and the Hungarian style (stressing the natural, comfortable, painless, tension free method). For young students, the Suzuki method is great, since the repertoire is all fun! Also the CD that comes with every level is vital! Children enjoy and benefit from that. I am an audiophile, so I can set up students with a quality hifi system on the cheap - this is so vital in Suzuki method, as he stated in his book, Nurtured With Love. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin

As a teacher I am patient and considerate. My first priority with beginner students is developing correct posture and relaxed position of hands. This is of most importance since it is difficult to change posture later on and bad posture can affect not only the quality of musical performance, but the health of the student as well. I teach reading music from the very start; thus, as soon as a child can read the letters and numbers, he or she is ready to start reading music too. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Fiddle

I began my work as a teacher in college at UCLA and at Cazadero Music Camp in Northern California, both as a private instructor and group instructor in violin and viola. After 10 years of classical study and performance I decided to pursue a degree in Ethnomusicology, and direct my studies specifically toward American folk fiddling. While studying under fiddler Richard Greene, I discovered a love for playing and passing down folk music in the oral tradition, and saw the benefits of a multi-genre musical education first hand. Read More