Lessons for Sincere Musicians

Saxophonists, improvisers, composers, and all dedicated musicians welcome

I currently teach at Baltimore School for the Arts, and recently served on faculty in the jazz department at Towson University and as a guest lecturer at the jazz program at Peabody Conservatory. I teach in my home studio near Hampden in Baltimore.

Recent students are now at Berklee College of Music, San Francisco Conservatory, Peabody Conservatory, Towson University, and professional performers and teachers on the Mid-Atlantic jazz scene

The Work:

conservatory-level development in a relaxed and respectful setting

Ear training, phrasing, nuance, intentionality, and creativity are core focuses

Pursue the beauty and wonder of music as a pillar of a vibrant and meaningful life

We have wonderful conversations on the creative process in motion:

what is swing? what is melody? what is phrasing? what is an idea?

The beautiful thing about ALL of these vast, eternal, formless and shapeless topics is that there's no singular method by which we can "figure it out" once and for all. There's no end in sight. No answer, no conclusion. It's alive and in perpetual flux.

You have to pick up your instrument and put sound in motion. Otherwise, what would be the point?

Common Topics

Presence

Resonance

Melodic Improvisation

Playing Alone / Playing Together

How to Play Compelling Music by Ear

Sound CONCEPT vs. Sound PRODUCTION

The Myth of Control in Our Pursuit of Mastery

Lyrical Phrasing vs. Mechanical Phrasing

How to Play with Clarity and Conviction

Ideas and where they come from

Form, Function, Flow

Embodiment

Testimonials

“I credit Derrick for everything I know about improvising from a place of beauty and depth, as well as making a vibrating piece of grass not sound like a kazoo” — Tyler White (Berklee ‘26)

“I have to say I really love studying with you — this is helping me see the horn the way that I did as a kid when I first started playing, as something that’s a deep connnection…it’s made a huge difference.” — Matt Hooper

“Derrick is my favorite saxophone teacher I have ever had. I wish I had the time to study with him more regularly. He completely changed how I understood the instrument in just a few lessons. Can’t recommend him enough.” — Jacob Deaven

Saxophonists

YOU DO NOT NEED TO BUY A $1,000-2,000 MOUTHPIECE TO SOUND BEAUTIFUL

enrich your sound production (physical) and sound conception (imagination)

dial in desirable resistance for a resonant, flexible, and supported tone

improve breath support / tongue position / embouchure / articulation

define and develop deeper projection, presence, and power

explore your equipment in search for true beauty

explore colors, textures, and timbres

connect your ears with your horn

SING!

Improvisers

Whether STUDYING an established musical idiom or INNOVATING your own personal musical language, a visceral connection to musical resonance and creative flow is imperative.

Elevate your collaborative potential — bringing depth and sensitivity to any style or instrumentation

Develop the ability to sustain creative flow in a room alone with your instrument

explore the elements of form from an open and creative mindset

develop spontaneous ideas with clarity and intention

connect your ears with your instrument

embody your music

“PHRASE!”

"Man, sometimes it takes you a long time to sound like yourself."

—Miles Davis

Recent Teaching Positions (2023-present):

• Adjunct faculty at Towson as the Jazz Saxophone and Jazz Composition teacher (Spring 2025)

• Three consecutive semesters as a guest lecturer at Peabody Conservatory (subbing for Warren Wolf’s improvisation classes and advanced private students)

• 2023-present Jazz and Classical Saxophone at Baltimore School for the Arts

A Few of My Recent Students

Your Teacher:

(CLICK HERE TO READ PERFORMANCE BIO)

Rates:

Intensive sessions of 2+ hrs are $150 and have been the most popular option for 5+ years for good reason!

One-hour sessions are $100 and reserved for recurring students