Derek Tarnow

Piano | Guitar | Bass

Derek Tarnow (piano, guitar, bass) has been teaching and performing in the Austin area for close to 10 years. He has been Rockin’ since he was a child, beginning with Piano. His piano lessons were formal and he won several awards during the course of his studies. His imperative to rock eventually led him to learn the guitar which became his musical focus from about 6th grade on. In college he was accepted for private study of jazz and classical styles on guitar and piano. Derek’s musical journey eventually landed him at Texas State University where he graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelors of Music in Jazz Guitar Performance. Notable performances in college include performing with Kurt Elling and Chris Vadala in New York as well as performing at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland. In his professional life Derek has performed in various styles including Rock, Pop, Country, Jazz, Blues, Soul and Classical. Groups he has worked with have performed on local TV morning shows, The Texas Bucket List, opened for Dale Watson and headlined Luckenbach. You can currently catch Derek performing with Classic Country/Western Swing band, The Merles as well as band-leading/arranging for the fabulous show choir, River City Pops. Derek likes to encourage his students to spend time with their fingers on keys or frets by finding what inspires them to do so. His teaching goal is to help students discover what makes them love music, while laying a foundation for wherever their musical journey may take them.