Derek began his composition journey during 2021 when he took his first digital music production class. Inspired by the experience, he has gone on to create songs both inside and outside of school, often spending days and weeks trying to perfect his melodies, drawing inspiration from bands such as Pink Floyd, Duster, Radiohead, Billy Joel, and Elliott Smith.
At St. Luke’s, Derek’s leadership as President of the Radio Club, 91.9 FM WSLX, has reinvigorated the program. In 2023, Derek received the Departmental Distinction in Music award at St. Luke’s School.
Derek Levy is a senior at St. Luke’s School in New Canaan, CT. His primary instrument is the Bassoon, which he has been playing for 7 years. He also attends the Manhattan School of Music Precollege program, where he is the principal bassoonist in the Symphony Orchestra and studies under professional Bassoonist Harry Searing.
Derek began his composition journey during 2021 when he took his first digital music production class. Inspired by the experience, he has gone on to create songs both inside and outside of school, often spending days and weeks trying to perfect his melodies. Derek’s style of music captures mystery, exuberant joy, mellow melancholy and ambiance drawing inspiration from bands such as Pink Floyd, Duster, Radiohead, Billy Joel, and Elliott Smith.
At St. Luke’s, Derek’s leadership as President of the Radio Club, 91.9 FM WSLX, has reinvigorated the program. In 2023, Derek received the Departmental Distinction in Music award at St. Luke’s School.
Derek brings “both ability and dedication to his growth in music. He demonstrates unusual degrees of loyalty, cooperation and conduct, and shows a commitment to excellence in digital music production.
Outside of school, he has worked with patients with dementia at a local retirement community, utilizing music from their teen eras to help reinvigorate withering areas of the brain.
Derek’s expertise in both performance and composition has granted him spots in music programs, such as the Bassoon Intensive at the Interlochen Center for the Arts in Michigan. Over two summers at Interlochen, he would sharpen his talents with renowned bassoonists such as Benjamin Kamins, Eric Stomberg, and Leigh Muñoz. In the summer of 2022 he attended the Berklee College of Music Film, TV, & Videogame Scoring Program at the Colburn School in Los Angeles, where he collaborated with other musicians to score scenes from various forms of media. The Summer of 2023 will be spent at the Berklee College of Music Aspire Program in Boston.
Outside of school, he has worked with patients with dementia at a local retirement community, utilizing music from their teen eras to help reinvigorate withering areas of the brain.
Derek’s expertise in both performance and composition has granted him spots in music programs, such as the Bassoon Intensive at the Interlochen Center for the Arts in Michigan. Over two summers at Interlochen, he would sharpen his talents with renowned bassoonists such as Benjamin Kamins, Eric Stomberg, and Leigh Muñoz. In the summer of 2022 he attended the Berklee College of Music Film, TV, & Videogame Scoring Program at the Colburn School in Los Angeles, where he collaborated with other musicians to score scenes from various forms of media. The Summer of 2023 will be spent at the Berklee College of Music Aspire Program in Boston.
