Derek Hutchinson
About
My name is Derek, and I have been teaching guitar/music professionally for 13 years now. I acquired a private education in guitar and voice throughout my time in public school (grades 5-12), and continued until I graduated with a Bachelor's of Science degree in Music Media Production from Ball State University. I have been teaching private guitar lessons since college at multiple establishments to all skill levels and ages; developing my own method and helping students reach their aspirations. I have taught performance-based lessons at School of Rock in Carmel Indiana for many years, as well as private lessons for specific goals such as creating content, preparing for college/talent show auditions, writing music, and much more.
I am a great teacher for students of ANY age, as I will analyze where a student stands, where they want to see themselves, and inspire them to get there!
I have taught students from age 6 all the way to age 80. I usually take the first lesson or two to test mechanics and see where the student’s skill/knowledge level is and where they want it to be with their instrument. If they’re young and not sure what goals they have, I keep them excited and engaged by connecting musical concepts to songs they like, while simultaneously excelling their skill level. I am very knowledgeable in music theory, but I understand how much theory is necessary to teach certain concepts and I don’t push theoretical ideas to students who don’t respond well to them. I love to push the creativity of my students, and have many self-made exercises to help them push outside their comfort zone in technique, creativity, and application.
Bachelor of Science in Music Media Production from Ball State University - Primary Instrument: Classical Guitar
Guitar Instructor and Music Director at School of Rock Carmel (2017-2024)