John Derrickson has been associated with music, teaching, and the Dayton Miami Valley community his entire life.

Growing up in the Dayton area, John first started performing as an accompanist for his home Summit Church choir in Trotwood, Ohio. This young twelve-year-old initiated a lifelong career of cultivating, arranging, and producing quality musical programs and projects.

In high school, John was elected as Marching Band Student Director and designed several dynamic half-time shows. He then went on to win the John Phillip Sousa Award for outstanding musicianship 3 years in a row.

Before graduating from Capital University John accepted a position as Music Director of Franklin Middle school, in Columbus Ohio.

John then went on to obtain his master’s degree in 1985 from Ohio State University and continued his teaching career in the Dayton School System while working in several area locations.

In 2007, John retired with honors.

After this distinguished career, John now focuses on providing quality piano and vocal instruction for a wide variety of students and individuals as they proudly achieve their desired musical goals and aspirations.