1930 Ridge Ave Apt B104, Evanston IL, 60201
Instruments:Ear Training, Harp, Suzuki Method, Theory
Styles:Classical, Kids, World
Levels:Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
Experience:4 years
Rate:$45 / hr
Personal Statement
I emphasize the differences in each student that I teach. Not everyone can learn the same way, and I make an effort to tailor each lesson to the specific needs of the student I am working with. Methods are personalized without losing the main points that every student needs: technique and tone. I emphasize technique from the beginning, rather than after they have grasped some pieces.
I try to stay kid-oriented with most of my teaching, even if it’s for adults. We play games to learn to read music, race each other to place correctly on the strings, and sometimes draw pictures to learn our tempos. Music is your reprieve from school and work, I want to keep it fun rather than a chore.
Education / Training
Derin holds Masters in Music and Bachelors in Music degrees from Northwestern University, where she studied under Chicago Lyric Opera Harpist Elizabeth Cifani.Derin is a registered Suzuki harp instructor, having completed her Suzuki Book I and II Teacher Training under the tutelage of Delaine Fedson. She grew up learning the Suzuki method under Minnesota Orchestra Principal Harpist Kathy Kienzle.
Derin has several years of orchestral experience, and has worked with conductors Victor Yampolsky, Dr. Mallory Thompson, and Dr. Robert Hasty while at Northwestern, as well as guest conductors. She often plays chamber music with friends; which has included viola, flute, voice, violin, trombone, harp, and clarinet combinations.