Name: Jeff Derby Quartet at Blue Barn
Start: 2025-09-12T17:00:00-07:00
End: 2025-09-12T19:00:00-07:00
Location: Blue Barn Gourmet

Jeff Derby first discovered his love for music while attending San Rafael High School under the guidance of Mark Peabody. During his time there, he took private saxophone lessons from Bay Area musician Marcia Miget, who became and continues to be a significant source of inspiration in his musical journey. Both Marcia and Mark introduced Jeff to music and shared their vast knowledge, sparking his passion for the art. Jeff drew from their enthusiasm and considers them both mentors, friends, and exceptional ambassadors of the arts.
After graduating from San Rafael High School in 2001, Jeff accepted a music scholarship to attend Sonoma State University, where he studied under the late Mel Graves, head of the Jazz program. Mel became another important mentor for Jeff as he progressed in his musical career. During his time at Sonoma State, Jeff had the privilege of learning from esteemed performers and educators, including Mel Graves, Randy Vincent, George Marsh, Harvey Wainapel, Jeff Pittson, Charlie McCarthy, Kendrick Freeman, and Pete Estabrook. In his junior year, Jeff decided to pursue a degree in Music Education in addition to his Jazz Studies major. Over the next few years, he worked diligently toward degrees in both Jazz Studies and Music Education, as well as earning a Single Subject Teaching Credential. It was during this time that Jeff met his future wife, Christine, who was also a musician studying to become a teacher. In 2006, Jeff graduated from Sonoma State University as a Distinguished Jazz Musician Graduate and married Christine. He credits much of his success to the mentorship of Marcia, Mark, and Mel, who guided him along his journey.
After graduating in 2006, Jeff accepted a teaching position at Hall Middle School in Larkspur, CA, where he has continued to teach. In 2008 and 2011, Jeff and Christine welcomed their two daughters, Gianna and Eva, both of whom inherited a love for music. Jeff finds joy in passing on his passion for music to his students, just as Marcia, Mark, and Mel did for him. In the same year, Jeff also began performing music professionally and has been playing Jazz throughout the Bay Area ever since. Performing remains his greatest passion, and he loves sharing his music with audiences far and wide.