Derek Giles
Derek Giles (Columbia, IL) got his start in music early when his parents got him a guitar and scheduled lessons at a local shop in Kentucky. As a teenager, he played first chair trumpet in the school band and tried electric guitar. He played in community bands and would always offer his playing skills in talent shows. Derek discovered bluegrass music after attending music festivals and this fueled his urge to jam! He began to pursue the banjo as his main instrument. Derek works to improve his playing by taking lessons, attending, and hosting bluegrass jams in the St. Louis area.
“Derek is very good at putting himself in the students’ shoes. He shares his experiences, how he overcame the situation, and what he learned from it.”
“Derek is very knowledgeable yet makes the lessons friendly and accessible. He encourages me to push myself and I feel like my level of playing has improved a lot.”
