Send us a textJoin 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 notablyincluding 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 selectedin the 2014-2016 NFMC Bulletin.In March of 2009, Derek won the Atlanta-Bauru (Brazil) Piano Competition atGeorgia State University, whose prize involved touring 3 cities in Brazil in 2010 as aconcert performer. In 2013, Derek won GSU’s Brumby Concerto Competition, and wasprivileged to perform Tchaikovsky’s 2nd Piano Concerto with the Georgia StateSymphony Orchestra. In 2016, he was awarded a Scholarship for the Master PianoInternational Courses by the Chopin Society of Atlanta, whose prize funded a trip tostudy at Piano Courses in Paris, France and Valldemossa, Spain. In 2017, Derekcompleted his Bachelor’s Degree in Classical Piano Performance at Georgia StateUniversity, 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 threebeautiful children: Ethan (9), Sydney (5), and Katelyn (1). Working at PianoWorks inDuluth since 2012, Derek now serves as their Lead Piano Sales Rep, Print MusicManager, and Web Store Manager. Complementing his work in sales, Derek also enjoysteaching a thriving independent studio of over 20 students, ranging from youngbeginners to adults and even fellow teachers seeking to enhance their knowledge ofadvanced repertoire. As a teacher, Derek is active in NFMC Festivals and serves as VP ofMembership for North Dekalb MTABe sure to visit www.pianoworks.com for your sheet music and piano needs.Derek's Top 5 Songs of Encouragement1) Beethoven's Piano Sonata No. 30, Opus 109 in E Majorhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15EFrXnj49Q2) Rachmaninov's Prelude Op. 23, No. 4 in D Majorhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VCkuCVK2Pg3) Chopin Ballade No. 1 in G minorhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWJ4I-OXKd04) He Will Callhttps://www.jw.org/en/library/music-songs/sing-out-joyfully/151-he-will-call/?media=sjjc5) The New World to Comehttps://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 109https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Vz1Tr8qZo4Support the show