Guitar Instructor in Tempe Makes Music Exciting for Beginning and Advanced Students!
About Me
I love music! To me, it truly is a universal language, and nothing else can capture and express emotion quite like it. Ever since I picked up a guitar 15 years ago, I've been on a quest to learn and speak the language of music. One discovery I have made along the way is that I love teaching it to others, too!
Over the past 10 years, I've been busy immersing myself in music. The excitement of performing live on stage, the pride of writing a song that touches someone, ...
Lesson Details
This is my mentality when it comes to lesson curriculum. There are a lot of things involved in being a well-rounded guitar player, and by only learning to play random radio songs, you're missing out on the big picture! That's why I am an avid proponent of teaching music theory, note reading, music terminology, improvisation, songwriting, and more. These are the ...
Derek has been a Tempe private music instructor for TakeLessons since 2010. Derek is a certified local music teacher.
Subjects Taught
Bass Guitar Guitar Music Performance Music Recording Music Theory Songwriting Upright Bass
My Specialties
Guitar is my number one specialty—particularly classic rock, alternative rock, and popular styles, with a strength in bluesy solo technique. I have a modern teaching style, and I am very up to date with current music trends. I tend to focus on practical and transferable music skills—you know, the things that allow you to play with other musicians, learn new instruments, and be truly creative on the guitar! I am very adept in subjects related to real world music knowledge and application, such as songwriting, music theory, music recording, and music performance. Whether you're a hobbyist wanting to strum your way through folk classics, or a future musician looking to write songs and start a band, I have a way to make you love playing the guitar!
My Education
Mesa Community College - Arts - 2006-2008 (Associate degree received)
Arizona State University - Psychology - 2008-2010 (Bachelor's degree received)
Student Feedback for Derek S.
Average Rating (9 Reviews)
Derek is an excellent instructor. Very patient, and in tune with your learning pace.
Highly Recommended.
Great Guitar Teacher!
Derek is an excellent teacher that possesses an enormous amount of knowledge in guitar and music theory. Learning from him allowed me to pick up many of the nuances that are often missed with playing the guitar. I would highly recommend him to anyone wanting to improve their guitar skills at any level!
– Rob T. November 27, 2011
Derek is a great instructor. I have really enjoyed my lessons with him and I have learned a lot. He does a good job with teaching you the fundemental and basic concepts of the different courds. I highly recommend him!!
– soran m. October 25, 2011
He is a really great teacher to kids.
Make kids big progress!!
Awesome Teacher
Derek is awesome teacher and is very knowledgeable in all aspects of music. Since I have been already been playing for 4 years, we have focus more on the theories of music, and song writing, and I can say that he has yet to fail to answer any question that I have thrown at him. From where I used to be and where I am now, I have seen a huge improvement in my ability to compose my own music. Though I can’t say much for his technique for teaching the basics, I can say that he is more than qualified to teach the more advanced skills when it comes to playing music.
– Andrew M. September 07, 2011
great investment
Derek has been great! By our 3 lessons so far its obvious that he is extremely talented, but very good at talking and teaching to students way below his skill level. He's very motivating and understands the discouragements with learning. What's real nice tho is the way he adapts his lessons based on progress and what's going to be most beneficial to the student as opposed to going by the book to teach.
– Jesse V. August 25, 2011
Alli is enjoying lessons with Derek. He is patient, very kind and gives her wonderful praise.
– Louise C. July 21, 2011
An Awesome Experience!
Derek is a fantastic musician and an excellent teacher! He does a great job of catering the lessons to my specific strengths and weaknesses. I stay challenged without being overwhelmed and, most importantly, I enjoy playing my guitar more and more.
– Michael A. June 21, 2011
Fun Lessons
I've been taking lessons with Derek for the past two months almost and they've been very productive and extremely fun. I've not only learned to play songs but note names and chords as well, which is very helpful to me since I have really never played guitar before these lessons. Over all I am enjoying myself and look forward to more lessons!
– Josh V. January 04, 2011
How It Works
Lessons are paid for in advance and purchased through our monthly or quarterly plans. All plans come with our 100% Money Back Guarantee. We accept payment via credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover), debit card or electronic check.
Monthly Plan
Schedule and pay for lessons on a month to month basis. Lessons are paid
for and scheduled on the 25th of every month.
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Quarterly Plan
Purchase 12 lessons upfront and receive your 13th lesson for free. Over
the course of a year, you receive a month of free lessons!
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How To Sign Up
Review the TakeLessons teachers in your area. Find the teacher you like the best and either book online or call/email a TakeLessons Student Counselor to book your lessons. You will then choose a day and time that works best for you, select your lesson package and pay via credit or debit card to book your lessons.
After you have booked your lessons, your instructor will contact you within 1-2 days. This gives the instructor a chance to introduce him or herself, and make sure everything is set for your first lesson.
Book Your LessonPricing
Lesson rates vary depending on the length of the lesson (we offer 30, 45, 60, and 90 minute lessons), and the actual location of the lesson (we offer lessons in your home or our teacher's studio). Lessons are paid for in advance by Visa, Mastercard or Discover. Sorry, no cash.
Please call 877-231-8505 for details.
Availability
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E. Cedar Street
Teacher Studio
