LESSONS
• available in person or online •
TESTIMONIALS
“I had the pleasure of teaching Derek private composition lessons at the UNCSA School of the Arts from 2016 to 2018. He is one of the most versatile musicians I've ever encountered--at home with a wide variety of American styles as well as being an accomplished concert composer. He is well-acquainted with virtually every instrument in the popular music genre, and is a gifted singer-songwriter. Derek is likable and has a winning personality as a teacher.”
- Kenneth Frazelle • UNCSA Composition Faculty
“Derek is a fantastic musician and teacher with a wide range of experience in all sorts of music. Whether you are looking for lessons in piano, guitar, popular music vocals, or bass guitar, Derek is a great choice!”
- David Winkelman • Associate Dean, UNCSA School of Music
“Derek is a wonderful musician! He is highly versatile and very knowledgeable about many styles of music, theory, and composition. I fully recommend him as a teacher!”
- Rebecca Nussbaum • Director, Office of Career Development and Community Engagement at UNCSA
“Derek shows a consistent understanding of the harmonic and aural significance of the exercises he teaches. I was new to the concept of ear training, and he was able to very clearly demonstrate and explain the material. He has an in depth knowledge of a large variety of styles, and has serious training in the classical tradition.”
- Oliver G. • Former student