Douglas Derrickson has studied the principles of Bel Canto over 38 years. His studies center around New York’s most prolific vocal technician. It was from this experience he learned how the principles of Bel Canto transcend conventional wisdom prevalent among 21st century vocal theorists and instructors. Under Mr. Derrickson’s teaching, students not only learn how to sing, but of equal or greater importance, they receive instruction that builds, alters, balances, conditions, and repairs the singing instrument. In today's landscape of vocal deception, the skill required to achieve this is indeed rare among vocal instructors.

Mr. Derrickson’s goal is to create an experience for the student that will build a vocal foundation that will perpetuate musical and vocal development. This can consistently be achieved when employing the principles of Bel Canto as the platform from which the voice building experience is executed. Lessons begin at the heart of the building process; the separation and balancing of the registers. His skillful use of the interacting relationships between pitch, intensity and vowel, produces a consistent pattern of vocal improvement, which is precisely what legitimate voice lessons produce.

Mr. Derrickson received his formal education at Wright State University (Dayton, OH), CCNY (New York, NY) and Cumberland College (Williamsburg, KY) majoring in church music. He is, however, quick to point out the experience that brought about the most profound change in his pursuit of vocal excellence was his private studies in New York.  

Today Mr. Derrickson is the senior voice instructor of the Vocal Development Center in Marietta, Georgia. Each week he teaches over 50 private lessons, two Voice Builder classes, conducts the Kennesaw Community Chorus, and leads a church choir and worship service in his community. Additionally Mr. Derrickson gives vocal workshops teaching the principles of Bel Canto to professional groups, civic groups, music associations, church choirs and high school choral and music groups.   

Teaching is Mr. Derrickson’s profession. It is his passion. I am told that with the exception of the university, Mr. Derrickson is Cobb County’s only full time vocal coach and clinician. I have known Mr. Derrickson for over 40 years and have never known a teacher more motivated to teach the skills students need to achieve their musical goals and dreams. This is a good and honorable motivation. As Mr. Derrickson’s mentor and friend, I fervently recommend him as your vocal coach and workshop clinician.

Richard M. Hughes
Professor of Vocal Development, Ret.
Conservatory of Music, Boston MA.