rion deroc
Band Coach + Guitar instructor
What is your favorite part of coaching at ROC Star Academy?
Working with so many talented musicians!
Hometown: Rochester, NY
Your musical focus/instruments you play:
My band El Rojo Jazz - Specializes in: Latin Jazz, Flamenco & Classical guitar.
We perform all over Upstate NY.
Other instruments: Guitar, Bass, Drums, Piano, and Indian Sitar.
When did you start pursuing music? Age 13
What is your musical background?
I specialize in Latin Jazz, Flamenco, and classical guitar
Eastman School of Music
Studied Flamenco guitar in Jerez de la Frontera (Andalucia Spain)
What are your musical influences/favorite bands?
Paco de Lucia, Enrique de Melchor, Moraitio Chico, Vincente Amigo, Matteo Mancuso, Grisha Goryachev etc...My Favorite Rock Bands are: Led Zep , AC/DC , VH , G&R, Deep Purple, MUSE , FUN , Radiohead, Derek Trucks Band, etc…
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What is your “deserted island” album?
That's a tough one…depends on how long I was stranded for. Probably: The Best of J.S Bach or Led Zep Greatest hits.
What is your favorite venue or event that you’ve performed?
I have performed so many different events it is difficult to say. (They are all special in their own way.)
What’s the craziest thing that ever happened to you on-stage?
My band's style of music does not really invoke a crazy vibe.
However, I opened up for world renowned jazz guitarist Al Di Meola at the Water St. Music Hall. That was crazy cool.
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What’s the best piece of musical advice you’ve received in your career thus far?
I have a lot of good ones… but I will give you my top 3.
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Talk to the crowd before you start your 1st song - Friends are always easier to perform in front of.
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“Shredding is cool… but a good melody is remembered forever” .
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Jazz Wizdom - “When in doubt, Chromatic out.”