Home

Derek Zimmerman is an active tuba player and music instructor from Germantown Hills, Illinois. Derek is passionate about entertaining, educating, and inspiring through music. Derek received his bachelor's degree in music performance with a minor in business administration at Illinois State University in Normal, Illinois, and is currently expanding his knowledge and skills in music by completing a master's degree in music performance at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, California.

As a performer, Derek has previously performed with groups such as the Chicago Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra, Heartland Festival Orchestra, and Chicago Brass Band. Derek's passion for performing live has led him to create various musical groups such as tuba quartets, brass quintets, and has recently founded the DisFunktional Brass Band where he is the musical director and sousaphone player. Derek also runs a YouTube channel titled "Tubazimm" where he creates tuba covers, instructional videos, and live streams aimed at creating a community through music.

As an educator, Derek is experienced in teaching brass private lessons, coaching ensembles, assisting in summer music camps, and using technology to create music through the power of the internet. Derek was very lucky to experience a variety of inspiring music camps, festivals, and educational experiences early on in his music career. For this reason, he strives to expand his knowledge as an educator and begin passing similar musical experiences and knowledge to the youthful musicians of today. Derek has taught at schools such as Metamora Township High School, Normal Community High School, Prairie Central High School, and Illinois State University's Junior High Band Camp.