Derek Barber is a guitarist, songwriter, and music educator based in the Bay Area. He teaches private lessons in music theory, improvisation, jazz combos, and jazz guitar. He also teaches student bands at the SF Rock Project and, formerly, the Blue Bear School of Music. An active performer, Derek has played and recorded with acclaimed Bay Area bands including Spacemoth, Christopher Owens, Bells Atlas, Salami Rose Joe Louis, John Vanderslice, and Astronauts, etc., in addition to leading his solo project, Perhapsy. A sought-after session guitarist, he records regularly at Tiny Telephone Studios, Brothers Chinese, Santo, and Decibelle. He also composes for NPR-originated storyteller podcast Snap Judgement and recently performed live on KEXP. Derek holds a BFA in Jazz Improvisation from the University of Michigan, where he studied under jazz legends Geri Allen and Robert Hurst on a full-ride scholarship. With over 25 years of teaching experience, he approaches education with enthusiasm and professionalism, believing that music is a lifelong pursuit. His guitar work has been praised by Premier Guitar, Pitchfork Magazine, Stereogum, and AFROPUNK for its blend of intricate phrasing, expressive textures, and compelling songwriting. Derek is also an active visual artist and cartoonist whose art and animation work has been featured in many music videos from local and national artists, including LA’s highly regarded School of Song.