Born and raised in upstate New York, Derek grew up listening to classic rock, blues, and everything in between. His education began with taking private lessons as a child, playing in bands, honing his skills on his own, and evolved into a desire to pursue music at the collegiate level.

Derek graduated with a B.M. In Music Business at the Crane School of Music in Potsdam, NY. There, he studied classical and jazz guitar. He now resides in Massapequa, Long Island, and plays all over the area as both a solo musician and with his band.