About Us

Inspiring Creativity Since 1999

Silbermann Studios has supported musicians, singers, and actors of all levels—from curious beginners to seasoned professionals—for over two decades. With a combined 50 years of experience, Derek and VanNessa offer personalized, creative instruction rooted in diversity and artistic exploration.

Areas of Study Include:
🎶 Piano (all styles)

🎤 Voice (all styles)

📝 Songwriting, Composition, Arranging

🎼 Music Theory & History

🎷 Jazz Improvisation
🎭 Acting, Improv, Monologues
🖋️ Playwriting

Proud Members of:
MTNA · ACDA · NATS · OperaAmerica · Theater Directors of America · California PTA for Piano

Pianist • Composer • Educator • Music Director

A true musical multi-hyphenate, Derek is a pianist, composer, arranger, conductor, and educator with deep roots in classical, jazz, and contemporary music. Originally from Santa Barbara and Los Angeles, Derek began as a classical pianist before discovering composition—a path that allowed him to explore a wide range of instruments and styles.

He has composed hundreds of works for orchestra, band, piano, voice, choir, jazz ensembles, and experimental instruments, and has performed nationwide as a pianist, percussionist, conductor, and composer. As a ghostwriter, he contributed to the first two seasons of Desperate Housewives and the video game Jak and Daxter 3.

Derek holds a Bachelor of Music in Composition from California State University, Northridge, where he also trained in jazz and classical piano, organ, harpsichord, and film scoring. It was there he developed his signature "Augminished" sound and style. Derek also holds a Master of Music in Jazz Performance from San Jose State University. 

Arts Education Leader • Director • Performer

VanNessa is a dynamic arts educator, performer, and stage director from Kansas City, MO and Los Angeles, known for her genre-spanning versatility. She has performed over 150 lead and supporting roles in theater, and is celebrated for her unique vocal range—from classical to gospel, R&B to Broadway. A three-time Western Regional Finalist in the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, VanNessa was also named “Music Theater Singer of the World” at the Llangollen Eisteddfod in Wales. 

As a director and producer, she has led more than 2,000 performances across theater, concerts, and educational events. She is widely recognized for her creative, student-driven programming and commitment to equity and belonging in curriculum, as she continues to inspire students of all ages to find their voice and step into their creative power through risk-taking, self-reflection, and co-creation. 

VanNessa holds a Bachelor of Music in Voice from Grand Canyon University, a Master of Music in Opera Theater from California State University, Northridge, and an additional degree in Accounting from Foothill College. She is currently pursuing her doctoral studies in Educational Leadership (Ed.D) at San Jose State University.