Derek Volkmann

Derek Volkmann – Editor

Hello there! I'm a professional editor and educator with multiple award-winning books. Check out the rest of my profile to know more!

Overview

I am a publication editor with multiple award-winning and high-profile projects distributed throughout the music industry. Prior to this, I worked in higher education and private music instruction, and I am also a part-time professional musician. I have a wide array of tastes and interests—everything from music to food, travel, theology. . . the list goes on! My #1 passion is to learn new skills and knowledge, so I definitely won't shy away from your project. I'm fully acclimated to working remotely (hey, there's a silver lining to the COVID cloud...), and I'm used to working in a deadline-oriented and collaborative environment. Most of my experience is related to music education, but that work is itself an interesting world—I've edited books that range from home recording techniques to playing jazz drum set, Irish tin whistle, and so much more! Just get in touch and we can get the ball rolling!
Services
Non-Fiction
Education & Reference Music Technology
Languages
English (US)
Awards
  • Modern Band Method—NAMM 2022 Best in Show

Work experience

Hal Leonard LLC

Sep, 2019 — Mar, 2023 (over 3 years)

Edited music instruction publications, including text, notation, audio, and video, assessing content and pedagogy (digital and print)
Managed social media accounts and email marketing newsletters
Accompanied sales teams as a content specialist for conferences

Middle Tennessee State University

Jan, 2016 — Aug, 2019 (over 3 years)

Taught general music, sociology in music, and jazz guitar courses to undergraduate students
Accompanied vocal jazz students in lessons and performances
Accompanied jazz students in degree recitals
Assessed student performance and kept records

Self Employed (MO), Murfreesboro Academy of Music (TN)

May, 2008 — Sep, 2019 (over 11 years)

Taught guitar, bass, piano, and brass students in a variety of techniques, repertoire, and performance settings

Portfolio

Looper Pedal Guitar Lessons - Book with Online Video Lessons Included by Chad Johnson

Johnson, C.

Running the Changes: The Definitive Guide to Jazz Improvisation for All Instruments with Play-Along Audio Tracks

Steinel, M.

Progressive Blues Guitar: Modern Techniques for the Electric Guitarist by Nick Kellie featuring Demo Videos (Private Lessons)

Nick K.

Pedalmania: The Complete Guide to Stompboxes and Pedalboards - Book/Video by Vinnie Demasi and Tom "Peck" Pecoraro

Demasi, V.

Hal Leonard Gypsy Jazz Guitar: Includes Video Instruction and Audio Play-Alongs!

Rubin, D.

The Complete Book of Electric Blues Guitar: An All-Inclusive Anthology of Performers and Playing Styles from the Last 80 Years with over 130 audio tracks! (Hal Leonard)

Rubin, D.

Getting Out of Scale-Jail for Guitar: Soloing Strategies to Free the Lead Guitarist

Sokolow, F.

The Total Drummer: A Guide to Developing Your Style, Feel, Touch, Groove, and More - Book with Online Video by Dimitri Fantini

Fantini, D.

Hal Leonard Bodhran Method - includes over two and a half hours of video instruction

Richter, A.

Hal Leonard Tin Whistle Method with Online Audio by Sean Gavin

Gavin, S.

First 50 Chords You Should Play on Guitar

Boduch, D.

First 50 Recording Techniques You Should Know to Track Music

Gibson, B.

Do-It-Yourself Music Theory: The Best Step-by-Step Guide to Start Learning by Tom Fleming - Book with Online Audio from Hal Leonard

Fleming, T.

Do-It-Yourself Piano: The Best Step-by-Step Guide to Start Playing - Book with Online Audio & Video from Hal Leonard

Watson, A.

Do-It-Yourself Guitar: The Best Step-by-Step Guide to Start Playing by Michael Mueller - Book with Online Audio & Video from Hal Leonard

Mueller, M.

Circle of Fifths Explained: Understanding the Basics of Harmonic Organization

Maske, D.

Chord Theory Explained: A Comprehensive, Easy-to-Approach Guide for the Everyday Musician with audio demos of chord types and progressions by David Pearl

Pearl, D.

Jazz Brushes for the Modern Drummer: An Essential Guide to the Art of Keeping Time by Ulysses Owens Jr, and featuring Audio and Video Lessons

Owens, U.

Modern Band Method - Keyboard, Book 1: A Beginner's Guide for Group or Private Instruction

Burstein, S.

Modern Band Method - Drums, Book 1: A Beginner's Guide for Group or Private Instruction

Burstein, S.

Modern Band Method - Teacher Edition: A Beginner's Guide for Group or Private Instruction

Burstein, S.