DEREK BERNARD - Musician, Instructor of Voice, Guitar, Ukulele, Music Theory, Songwriting, Performance
Sienna started online lessons for voice and guitar at the beginning of April 2020. This video shows her progress in 2 month intervals: May, July, and September. September is a performance of a pop song by Grace VaanderWaal
WHO I AM
As a passionate and experienced musician, I offer comprehensive and affordable private music lessons with the guitar, ukulele. I also teach how to find your natural creative expression with the voice both for singing and speaking. With over 20 years of playing experience and 15 years of performing solo and with bands, I have the skills and knowledge to help boost your skills and self-esteem.
I understand that each student has a unique learning style, and I adapt my lessons accordingly to ensure the best possible results. I also have 11 years of improvisation theater experience, which I use to help my students become independent, self-reliant, and creative singers and musicians.
My work in music is my passion, and I would love to share it with you. Contact me today to learn how I can help you achieve your musical aspirations. You can also check out my album and EP on iTunes to get a taste of my style. Band names: Haberdasher and Dogs of War, respectively
WHAT I OFFER
As a skilled and passionate instructor, I offer a variety of lessons to help you succeed in your musical endeavors. My teaching style focuses on skills training and self-exploration, helping you discover a passion for music and develop your skills along the way.
With my expertise and understanding of how to inspire others, you can trust that you will be in good hands. Take a look at the lessons I provide and choose the right one for you.
Contact me today to start your musical journey.
GUITAR
As a competent instructor, my main objective is to teach you how to play your instrument. Starting with the basics, we will progress to more advanced techniques and even incorporate some music theory to help you apply what you've learned in an organized musical context.
By the end of our lessons, you will be able to play songs using chord progressions, various rhythmic and finger styles, and even create your own solos and leads. You will also be able to write and play your own songs, as well as seamlessly play along with any musical jams you come across.
Contact me today to start your musical journey and learn how to play your instrument the way you've always wanted to.
VOICE
Singing is a great way to express yourself and challenge yourself. It can be a vulnerable experience, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. If you're looking for a singing teacher who understands how to help you find your voice, I'm here to help. Whether you're an experienced singer or just starting out, I can help you unlock your potential and find your unique voice. So don't hesitate, contact me today and let's get started on your singing journey!
UKULELE
Are you looking to pick up a new instrument? The ukulele is a great choice! Not only is it simple to learn, but it also has a bright and joyful sound that will be sure to put a smile on anyone's face. Plus, if you're looking to eventually transition to the guitar, the ukulele is a great starting point because many of the fundamental mechanics are the same, just with fewer strings. So why not give the ukulele a try and see how much fun it can be?
GROUP CLASSES
Group classes are a great way to learn music. I create a friendly and open environment that connects you to your fellow musicians, so you can learn to hold your own in a group setting. It can accelerate learning through challenge and connection, and you may even find a bandmate(s)
"Unleash your inner musician! Excellent! As of 2017, Derek has been playing guitar for ~20 years and teaching for ~10. Patient and encouraging, he has a great 'yes and' attitude and meets you where you are, building techniques and songs from there. I've brought him lyrics and videos of songs I want to learn on guitar and he has the ability to, on the spot, detect accurate chords and any difference in tuning. I'm working to build a 20 minute performance set list.
When I selected Derek, I knew basic chords and nothing about various strumming techniques. In a few short lessons, I've developed my right hand, chord transitions and confidence."
Lori F.
"Derek is an excellent teacher and musician. Over the past few months, he's helped me tremendously in working toward every one of my musical goals: songwriting, improving technique, vocal development, and performance. He is also a very encouraging and supportive coach. When I began working with him, I wanted very much to perform but was terrified of it! Derek created a relaxed and positive environment for me to build up my skills and confidence, sharing wisdoms and advice from his extensive performance experience at every lesson. And when I finally felt ready for my first open mic, Derek generously came along and played with me. Having him participate in my progress--all the way to that memorable night--was invaluable.
Wherever you are in your musical journey, and whatever you want to accomplish, Derek will help you get there. I highly recommend him!"
Veronica A.
"Derek is a relatable teacher and impressive musician. I was a beginner when I started working with Derek. I have a good reading voice and decent rhythm but had never played ukulele or sung. Within a month I could play and sing my first song ("Iko, Iko" an old new orleans song). He effectively helped me understand where my current voice range was, and gave me actionable steps to extend it. On the ukulele, he was willing to learn obscure songs I was interested in - on his own time - in order to teach them to me. His exercises taught me the ukulele chords and greatly improved my rhythm. I now have the tools to keep making music, and consider Derek a friend."
David S.
"I have been taking lessons from Derek for about a year now, and it has been both a lot of fun and a great learning experience. This is not a "paint-by-numbers" approach to music. He really knows how to make make the lessons both fun and challenging, and is somehow able to sneak in little pearls about music theory. During a lesson you are likely to find yourself discussing how expressive a certain strum can sound or what a certain chord emotes, rather than just discussing the mechanics of a particular song. This makes the lessons more that just learning to play the guitar, and even makes it more enjoyable to listen to music. If your thinking about picking up guitar, I highly recommend Derek."
