Lessons for Sincere Musicians

saxophonists, improvisers, composers, devotees

Who I’ve Helped:

• Recent students are now at Berklee College of Music, San Francisco Conservatory, Peabody Conservatory, Towson University, and more.

• Others are performing / teaching across the country on a wide variety of instruments, covering a wide variety of approaches.

• I currently teach saxophone and improvisation at Baltimore School for the Arts, and am an occasional guest lecturer in the jazz program at Peabody Conservatory.

• In spring 2025 I was an adjunct professor in the Towson University jazz department, teaching jazz saxophone and jazz composition.

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

The Work

We have wonderful conversations on the creative process in motion:

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

Conceptual Parameters:

How your personal process affects the collective and vice versa

Musicianship & Musicality:

Lyricism, Soulfulness, Embodiment, Ear Training, etc.

Practical Matters on Your Instrument:

Tone, Technique, Resonance, Resistance

_________

THERE IS NO END IN SIGHT — NO ANSWER, NO CONCLUSION

It's all 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, Feeling, Function

Embodiment

Flow

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)

improve breath support / tongue position / embouchure / articulation

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

define and develop deeper projection, presence, and power

exploit your equipment in search for true beauty

explore more colors, textures, and timbres

connect your ears with your horn

facilitate creative growth

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

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

explore the elements of form with an open and creative mindset

develop spontaneous ideas with clarity and intention

connect your ears with your instrument

embody your music

PHRASE!

PLACES

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