Taylor Pace
"Derek is an amazing instructor and musician. Since taking private lessons with him my knowledge and skill on the guitar has been steadily expanding. As a professional musician myself, he provides me with so many different approaches to playing that it sparks my creative juices and my love and interest for the guitar just grows-which is something you don’t normally find in your run of the mill music lessons. He teaches the guitar from all aspects: technical, mechanical, theoretical, and historical so you come out of the lesson with a complete new understanding of how it all comes together. He’s definitely an invaluable resource to anyone looking to learn or improve their playing."
Taylor Pace Orchestra
Roseanne
"Derek is an amazing instructor/teacher. His ability to structure lessons for my personal needs and goals surpassed my expectations.
He gave me the confidence and knowledge I needed to stick with it. Whatever my skill level reaches I will always call on Derek to help me get to the next level.
Thanks Derek for teaching me something I've always wanted to do!!!!"
Jake Robison
"As a singer songwriter who has also played in several bands as both a front-man and a side-man over the years, I have been fortunate enough to be surrounded by some extremely talented musicians. I was searching for a guitar instructor that could help me continue to grow as a guitarist and writer. Derek is not only one of the most talented guitarists I have met (he truly is), but he is also great at explaining music in a language that is easy to understand. Simplifying musical jargon and technical terms to emotions or using examples from popular music to create a relationship between the concept and a familiar tune."
Jake Robison ( continued )
"Presenting information this way is not easy to do and Derek is one of the best I have met at teaching in this fashion. His wealth of knowledge spans all genres and he also explains the history behind the music, artist, instrument, etc. which helps with understanding and appreciation. My favorite thing is seeing how passionate Derek is when he talks about music and the guitar. The love and appreciation for his instrument pours out of him. If Derek cannot get you excited about your musical journey and help you progress towards the musician that you want to be, you will be hard pressed to find anyone who will be able to. I cannot recommend Derek enough as a musical mentor for guitarists of all skill levels."
Jake Robison Music Page
Paige
"When I started to play guitar I really thought I had no chance in getting very far, but when I started taking lessons from Derek I noticed a huge change. He has taught me so much with the guitar lessons I've had. Hes is really the best teacher I could ever ask for. I'm so grateful that I'm taking lessons from him. He is a great musician, and can help anyone better achieve their goals with playing the guitar. Thanks so much Derek."
Khristian Araneda
"Derek is a great instructor. phenomenal ear to pick up any riff, phrase and lick from any artist and break it down to you in sections and steps so its easy to learn. He introduced me to the 12-bar blues. We started out as student and teacher and the outcome of that was a great friendship. I highly recommend him to anyone who wants to dig in and get a little blues & rock under their fingers!"
Khristian Araneda Music Channel'
Khristian Araneda Music Channel'
Student Spotlight: Howard Cheatham
It's not only a pleasure, but a special privilege to count Howard Cheatham as a student. Howard and JIMI HENDRIX played guitar together throughout their years in High School in a suburb of Seattle. Howard is a great musician, a Vietnam Vet and one of the nicest and most inspiring people I have ever met. I'm delighted to have him on board!
Howard Cheatham
"Probably the best guitar instructor in North Texas! Derek Neece is versatile in virtually all genres from rock to blues to heavy metal. I challenged him to teach me a gospel song with intricate progressions and he handed it back to me within an hour of one of our classes. There is a ton of good guitar material on the internet but nothing beats a one on one, face to face lesson with an instructor of this caliber. I drive over 40 minutes in heavy, congested traffic for his class. It is always a trip worthwhile. His easy-going demeanor, patience, vast knowledge and passion for the guitar is infectious!"
Ben Randolph
"I've been taking guitar lessons from Derek for over a year now and he's been an invaluable guide on my guitar journey during that time.
He has a deep understanding of music theory, technique and tone with an ability to convey that to his students.
I've advanced far beyond where I could have on my own in this stretch of time with Derek.
I feel much more like a musician rather than a guy who knows how to play a few tabs.
I feel I'm developing as a 'whole guitarist'".
Cynthia
"Great guitar teacher and guitar player, what can I say!!! As a beginner he made me understand and learn how to play music in just a month. One of the things I liked about his lessons is that he focuses on your own personal interest in music. If I haven’t had to moved I would still be taking lessons with him, haven’t been able to find a guitar teacher like him. Thanks Derek for all your help!!"
Harrison Edwards
"Derek cannot only play and teach anything you throw at him, but also explain the advanced theory and techniques behind songs. We worked on Jeff Beck, improvising techniques and such theory use as sub b5 substitutions."
Harrison Edwards Music
Harrison Edwards Music
Jon Martin
"I was looking for a competent guitar tutor to help me prepare for my Berklee Audition. I am now accepted in the Berklee College of Music and I feel it was a very wise choice to seek guidance from Derek Neece as a guitar instructor."
Marc Blackburn
"After only a few lessons with Derek, I noticed big changes in my playing. I like his approach to teaching because it pushes me to do my best. He has a thorough knowledge of music theory that dovetails nicely with his mastery of techniques covering a wide range of musical genres. He is an incredible guitarist and can help you develop your chops regardless of your level."
David Abercrombie
"Simply one of the best guitar players I've ever met, and I've met a lot. Seemingly fluent in every style from straight-ahead rock to blues to jazz to metal to chicken-picking, Derek is, just as importantly, able to translate to your level, from beginning to advanced guitar. He'll teach you what you want to play--no pointless exercises in styles you don't care about. He's patient, he's reliable, his prices are very reasonable; what more could you ask for? Oh, and here's the highest endorsement I can give: I've been taking guitar lessons with him for years, and will continue to do so!"
Brandon
"AC/DC has been a big influence on my life so I decided I wanted to become just like my hero Angus Young. I picked up a guiter and I wanted to play but I didnt have a teacher and I found Derek. Derek is as good as it gets. He is a great guy I have a blast with him and when me and him get playing we get down and pumped. He is a great teacher, knows what he is talking about and is freakin amazing on the guitar. He is the best guitar instructor I could ask for and I am glad he is teaching me. Thanks a lot Derek."
Kent
"Hi, Derek. Kent really enjoyed his guitar lesson tonight even though he may not show it. He said he 'loved it!' and wants to skip the Main Event (only night event that he wanted to attend) and go to your guitar lessons instead. So if you have an opening tonight, let me know. Kent also said he finally understood some things about guitar (or scales). He said it was like a little guitar bird was flying around and leaped inside his head and he went 'wow.'"
Seng
"I believe I've found a guitar teacher who cares enough for his students and has the passion and desire to teach his students to succeed in music and in life. I've so many questions about guitar and how music theory works. Derek really helps me so much and I understand so much more then ever before. I am always looking forward to my guitar lessons, cause I always learn something new every week. If any one is interested and wants to really learn guitar, give Derek a try and you might get more then you bargained for. Thanks Derek for everything!"
Wesley
"After a couple of years of constantly struggling to learn and understand guitar, I found Derek's ad. I have worked with other guitar teachers before, but never seemed to make any progress. Derek is helping me to focus and find myself as a guitarist. I have learned and progressed more in the past few months of working with Derek than I have at any other time. He places a focus on how and why a song is written as it is, as well as how to play the song. Derek is an infinite source of information regarding all things music and guitar. I look forward to a long working relationship."
