Today we’d like to introduce you to Derek Roura.
Hi Derek, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Ever since elementary school, I had a knack for music: I picked up instruments quickly, starting with the recorder, which thrilled my mom of course! (I mean, who doesn’t want to hear a squealing rendition of “Hot Cross Buns” every day?) From there, I went on to practice violin and piano in middle school electives, and I continued my piano journey into high school, where I also studied musical theater. Seems random, but I mention all this because I still play these instruments, even now!
Later in life, my love for the arts led me to the University of South Florida, where I majored in Vocal Performance before graduating with a B.A. in Creative Writing. All of these experiences have honed my craft as a song composer and lyricist: After all, I have to be able to weave my stories through the fabrics of spoken language as well as musical language. It helps that I’ve also been teaching music and theory since sophomore year of college; I started teaching private lessons on my own and at multiple music academies, and to this day, it remains my full-time job alongside gigging.
Today, if I’m not teaching music at Westrick Vocal Studio in Winter Garden, then I’m performing somewhere in Tampa Bay or surrounding communities as part of corporate events, private parties, farmer’s markets, weddings, lounge experiences, and more! Performing has been a central part of my life for nearly a decade, and I love every opportunity to connect with people through my music. That said, you can find my original songs and artist collaborations on Spotify and follow my journey for show announcements on Instagram if you’re interested!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Halfway through my senior year in high school, a whole lotta you-know-what hit the fan, and my family scattered: My uncle was diagnosed with schizophrenia and moved into his own apartment; my grandmother had a stroke and also moved out in order to focus on her health; my younger brother relocated to pursue his education after his school was re-zoned; and to top it all off, my mom had moved in with somebody new and decided to foreclose our family home, which left me and my older brother to fend for ourselves as newly houseless teens. The family I used to rely on for motivation and support had crumbled.
My older brother was forced to move in with our aunt, and I was forced to graduate early so that I could work a full-time job while living on my best friend’s couch. In the midst of all this chaos, I had lost sight of my creative vision: I failed to complete a contract with a record label because of all that mess, so they dropped me, and it felt like my creative journey had come to a screeching halt. Even so, I couldn’t give up. After all, I had lost everything but my passion for music, so I decided to keep studying music at USF and now I’m leaning into it as my full-time profession, and I’m proud to say that I’m making more money than ever before! I still struggle with droughts of creative energy, but every day I get to do what I love for a living, and I just need to keep proving to myself that no matter how much life tries to push me down, I will always rise above!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My name is Derek Roura (pronounced ROAR-uh), and I am a passionate singer and vocal coach based in Orlando, Florida, though I also frequent Tampa and surrounding areas. With nearly a decade of teaching experience, I’ve had the privilege of coaching a wide range of artists, from viral sensations like that little girl who sang on a Delta airlines flight, to rising R&B stars like Isaiah Falls and J. Lamaar as well as seasoned Equity performers from Disney, Universal Studios, and even Broadway. So, whether you’re looking to improve your singing, hone your songwriting, dive into music theory, or sharpen your piano skills, I’ve taught students of all levels—from absolute beginners to working professionals. I’m the guy for you! I currently teach at Westrick Vocal Studio, but I have my own private studio as well. So no matter where you are in your creative journey, I am here to guide you along your path to success! I’ve been in this game for over a decade!
When I’m not teaching music lessons or composing my own music, I can be found performing all across Florida and occasionally even across the globe! My most memorable tour abroad was in South Africa with the vocal ensemble Klassika back in 2019. Since then, I have also taken the stage at large festivals like Orlando’s Immerse Fest and Busch Gardens’ Food & Wine Festival. Nowadays, you can find me covering top 40’s hits in upscale venues, elegant weddings, private parties, and corporate events. Additionally, I work with rock bands like Rhythm Me Up and Hurricane Eyes, and I collaborate regularly with other artists such as Ced Lyfe and Maria Jade. As of right now, I am producing an upcoming EP album, and I would love to share it with you! Be sure to follow me on social media for music tips and personal updates on new music, new project releases, tour dates, and live performances!
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Okay, I believe you need two things to network effectively: 1) Know who you are as an artist and what your priorities are before you surround yourself with people who embrace and uplift those truths, and 2) drive.
Let’s start with knowing who you are. If you don’t have a brand or an image and you don’t know how to define yourself as an artist, then it will be very hard to sell yourself when meeting other people. People want to get to know you, so you have to make that easy for them! Know what you’re about and you will show that in everything you do, and this can eventually lead you to surround yourself with like-minded people who appreciate your values. Don’t just be a yes-man. Accept the energy that will elevate your purpose. Which brings me to another point: If you don’t know what your purpose is, then clearly define your priorities and values. Networking is a two-way street, so do this internal work and realize who you are before you share your energy with someone else, and eventually, you will bring in more opportunities that feel fulfilling, like food to the soul.
It isn’t enough to be defined as a brand or an artist, though. There will always be rejection; in fact, it is part of the creative process! You are allowed to say no to projects just like venues are allowed to drop you whenever they want (and trust me, I know how bad that feels). You have to be motivated enough to keep on going in the face of rejection. Progress can be slow. People will overlook and underestimate you. But persistence and consistency are key; don’t ever stop your own wheels from turning, especially not because someone else said so. Keep on driving! When you network without fear of rejection, you become your most authentic self, and you can move on easier should any networking or mentoring opportunity fail.
Pricing:
- $60 / hour for teaching services
- $10 travel fee (if I drive to a student)
- varied pricing for live performance / MC fees
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/derekroura
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/derekrouramusic
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/derekroura
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/c/DerekRoura
