Derek's formal bagpipe training was initiated at the age of ten. Instruction was originally received from John Crawley, who received his training at the College of Piping in Glasgow, Scotland. He also received band and solo instruction from Noel Slagle, former Pipe Sergeant of the Clan McFarlane Pipe Band, St. Catherines, Ontario (former world caliber Grade I Band during the 1970’s and 1980’s). Additionally, solo instruction was received from Scot Walker, open piper and adjudicator for the Eastern United States Pipe Band Association (EUSPBA).

Derek has competed successfully in individual competitions up to the Grade I Amatueur level, winning prizes in both the United States and Canada. He has a strong interest in bands, band development, and band competitions, having belonged to the Western Reserve Pipe Band of Cleveland, OH (1970’s - 1980’s) and the Lehigh Valley Pipe Band of Allentown, PA (1989 - 1998). Both bands originated from street band and competed through the lower grades (IV, III) and achieved championship status as Grade II bands.

Presently, he competes with the successful Grade II Worcester Kiltie Pipe Band, MA. During the Summer of 2001, Derek began providing instruction to the Boston Police Gaelic Column Pipe Band and is the lead instructor for a piping program with the Worcester School System. Concurrently, he is teaching piping to high school students at the St. Johnsbury Academy, VT (SJA). The effort at SJA started on a voluntary basis with the goal of developing a regular course of study. Twelve students are currently involved in the piping and drumming program and a similar effort is being initiated at Barnet Elementary School, VT. He is also a staff member at the Balmoral School of Piping and Drumming, which is held at various locations in the nation each summer. His driving desire is to focus more personal effort on the study of the instrument, becoming a better player, and sharing the knowledge and skills with others.