Derrick received his Bachelor of Music with a Piano Performance major at the Lawrence University Conservatory of Music, where he studied with Anthony Padilla.  His senior year, Derrick placed first in the Wisconsin state division of MTNA Young Artist as well as the Lawrence Symphony Orchestra Concerto Competition. 

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Recipient of an Accompanying Fellowship at Lawrence, Derrick served as rehearsal and orchestral pianist for opera productions during the past two years.  

In the Summer of 2016, he was awarded a vocal coaching internship at the Oberlin in Italy program in Arezzo, Tuscany, and performed to great acclaim at the Vianden International Music Festival in Luxembourg.  

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Following his graduation in 2017, Derrick formed a successful piano studio within the Greater Milwaukee Area where he teaches beginner to advanced levels with an emphasis in technique and practical learning.