Violin Lessons in Sunkist, CA

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin

For beginning piano students, I love using Alfred lesson books. I like focusing on scales and using proper technique. For violin, I like using Suzuki, but I dont use Suzuki method. Focus is on scales and simple solo rep. I encourage composition at all ages and love finding a system that works for the individual student. Regular practice is encouraged. I am big on positive reinforcement and will be my students biggest cheerleader, even when I need to get firm about techniques. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola Saxophone Flute Clarinet Oboe English Horn Acoustic Guitar

I use a wide variety of methods depending on the student's current ability level, musical preferences, and goals. I'm also willing to work with a method or book that a student is currently using. Generally, my students have a varying ratio of technique/scale study to work on the foundations, an etude/short piece study to help connect musical ideas and teach expression, and a solo piece that is prepared over a long period of time, most likely for a future recital. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

For beginning students, I start with Gerald E. Anderson and Robert S. Frost's All for Strings. Once the students made progression in basic fundamentals, I use the Suzuki Methods Books and Solo for Young Violinists by Barbara Barber. Along with that, I introduce the students to the chamber music so that the students learn to play with others. For adults, I try to provide the students in their interested music so that, playing music is fun and entertaining to them. Read More

Instruments: Violin

My early forays into education began during my undergraduate work at The Evergreen State College. I quickly learned how fulfilling the process was, and was routinely complimented on the patience I exhibited with my beginner students. After taking time off to work on my graduate degree and launch my freelance career, I resumed teaching again after graduation, volunteering as a faculty assistant with a music theory course at a local community college. 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 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 Voice Violin

Expect lessons to be fun and enjoyable! I want all my students to love music. I use a variety of materials to craft customized lessons based on your interest, skill level, and musical style. Let me know what you want to learn and I can help you achieve that goal! Read More