Voice Lessons in Laguna Niguel, CA

Instruments: Voice

I assess each student in their first lesson to see their entrance level and motivation. From there we discuss goals and I cater each lesson for each student. For children and teens it is usually to feel confident singing, prepping auditions and performances. They usually have a lot of motivation and a willingness to take risks and know they are being taught in a safe space to explore. Adults usually come in for confidence, to sing on key in front of their friends to professionals who need an extra ear to refine their instrument and skills. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

For beginner students, I start with the fundamentals of music and we work our way up to integrating repertoire that they will eventually be able to perform in recitals and shows! I am a very flexible teacher and I understand firsthand that to remain interested in learning music, a student needs to feel included in the choices regarding what they are working on. With that in mind, I like to use both repertoire that a student has brought in, and repertoire that I choose very carefully to suit a particular student's strengths and challenges. Read More

Instruments: Voice

My teaching experience encompasses five years of teaching private lessons to people of all ages, backgrounds, and voice types. I have successfully helped students nail Broadway, film, college, and community theatre auditions. I love to challenge students and help them overcome any obstacles in their voice. Singing is such a vulnerable and sensitive instrument mostly because it is not visible to the human eye. Therefore, I use all the resources I've gained from performing, teaching and my education to provide students with the support and guidance to follow their dreams. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

For children beginners, I usually start with either Faber & Faber Piano Adventure or Hal Leonard's Essential Elements.  When the students have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will start introducing solo repertoire to get them ready for their first recital performance.  For adult students, I guide my instruction accordingly after finding out what the student is interested in to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. 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 Music

My music leadership experience began with competitive show choir in 8th grade - voted Student of the Year - and these experiences inspired me through high school! The show choir program director appointed me tenor section leader in 9th grade and Voice Captain in 10th grade for my ability to lead voice sectional rehearsals and provide pianist accompaniment when needed. I am currently a performing arts coach for the Anaheim Union High School District, supporting vocal music and dance program directors with clinician and choreography services. 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