Interview with Derek Vann, Pianist, Piano Teacher, Composer, Piano and Music Sales

Join me for this wonderful conversation with Derek Vann!

The day we recorded there were internet issues that affected the audio quality. As much as possible was done to correct the audio in post-production, but please be sure to click the links to listen to Derek's Top 5 Songs of Encouragement. Thank you for listening!

Derek Vann began studying piano and composition with his mother, Gayle Vann,

at the age of six. Derek has won numerous awards for composition, most notably

including winning the Lynn Freeman Olson Composition Contest in 2009. His entry,

entitled “Sounds of Madrid” was published by FJH in 2010. This piece was later selected

in the 2014-2016 NFMC Bulletin.

In March of 2009, Derek won the Atlanta-Bauru (Brazil) Piano Competition at

Georgia State University, whose prize involved touring 3 cities in Brazil in 2010 as a

concert performer. In 2013, Derek won GSU’s Brumby Concerto Competition, and was

privileged to perform Tchaikovsky’s 2nd Piano Concerto with the Georgia State

Symphony Orchestra. In 2016, he was awarded a Scholarship for the Master Piano

International Courses by the Chopin Society of Atlanta, whose prize funded a trip to

study at Piano Courses in Paris, France and Valldemossa, Spain. In 2017, Derek

completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Classical Piano Performance at Georgia State

University, studying with Dr. Sergio Gallo.

In addition to his piano performance career, Derek started a family young:

marrying his lovely wife, Stephanie in 2011 and starting a family to now include three

beautiful children: Ethan (9), Sydney (5), and Katelyn (1). Working at PianoWorks in

Duluth since 2012, Derek now serves as their Lead Piano Sales Rep, Print Music

Manager, and Web Store Manager. Complementing his work in sales, Derek also enjoys

teaching a thriving independent studio of over 20 students, ranging from young

beginners to adults and even fellow teachers seeking to enhance their knowledge of

advanced repertoire. As a teacher, Derek is active in NFMC Festivals and serves as VP of

Membership for North Dekalb MTA

Be sure to visit www.pianoworks.com for your sheet music and piano needs.

Derek's Top 5 Songs of Encouragement

1) Beethoven's Piano Sonata No. 30, Opus 109 in E Major

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15EFrXnj49Q

2) Rachmaninov's Prelude Op. 23, No. 4 in D Major

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VCkuCVK2Pg

3) Chopin Ballade No. 1 in G minor

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWJ4I-OXKd0

4) He Will Call

https://www.jw.org/en/library/music-songs/sing-out-joyfully/151-he-will-call/?media=sjjc

5) The New World to Come

https://www.jw.org/en/library/music-songs/original-songs/the-new-world-to-come/

Bonus: Here is a clip of Derek playing the Beethoven Sonata 109

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Vz1Tr8qZo4

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