Guitar with Derek S.

My name is Derek, and I am a musician and music instructor based in Tempe, AZ. I have played music for nearly 25 years, during which time I've coached a diverse range of students, played hundreds of shows locally and regionally with several musical acts, and participated in dozens of recording projects as a session musician, producer, and songwriter. I strive to create a fun, relaxed learning environment, and students often commend me on my patience and positivity. Many of my students have gone on to join signed bands, embark on national tours, jam at open mic nights, or simply master a few songs to play on the back porch with good friends and family. I believe I can teach anyone, and that there's always a way to reduce the complexity of learning. I aim to keep all lessons practical because I want to help people become musicians. Absolute beginners to advanced players welcome. I'm flexible with musical styles, and I love how eclectic my students' musical tastes are. Whether it's rock, pop, indie, folk, country, jazz, or blues, one thing is true—a great song transcends genre. That's why I love to teach music theory and the building blocks of a song, including melody, harmony, rhythm, chord progressions, and chord structure. These skills give students the ability to learn their favorite songs in minutes, as well as write their own music. I know how tough it can be to find the right teacher, so go ahead—check out the subjects I teach! Also, be sure to skim through the reviews that my students have left me, as I'm quite proud of them. If you have any questions, send me a message by clicking the "Ask Derek a Question" button above. Now let's get started! Derek