From Viola to Traveling the World: How HP Alum Derick Leduke Composed His Own Path

When Derick first picked up a viola in the second grade, he didn't just find an instrument. Derick found a "flare" for something that would eventually take him halfway across the world. For 10 years, Harmony Project was his sanctuary. It was a place where a kid from Lennox could transform into a world-class artist.

Now living in Nashville, Derick has traded the viola for a guitar and a microphone, pursuing music not just as a career, but as his "Plan A, B, and C." During a recent conversation with us, Derick reflected on the decade in Harmony Project that built the foundation for his current life as a full-time musician.

Derick working out a new tune on his guitar.

HP Providing A Foundation

Derick’s journey began with a year of musicianship before he even touched a string. That early patience paid off. He vividly recalls the obsession of teaching himself "Hungarian Dance No. 5" by ear, a moment where his teachers realized he had a rare ear for depth.

But it wasn't just about the notes. Derick credits his teaching artist/mentor, Bryan Gonzalez, with teaching him the "quiet" lessons of success: punctuality and preparedness. "Mr. Gonzalez would give me a hard time if I wasn't ready," Derick remembers with a smile. "Being prepared, knowing your part in the orchestra…it’s a lesson that stays with you even beyond music."

Going Global

That discipline recently took Derick to the villages of Germany and festivals in Europe. Even while navigating the unpredictability of international travel, he brought a piece of Harmony Project with him. "Bringing classical pieces to the guitar added a level of depth that audiences really respected," he says. It served as a bridge between his LA roots and the global history of the art form.

For Derick, the music industry isn't about quick fame. Rather it’s about "obsession and self-mastery." His message to current HP students is simple: don't hide your instrument under the bed. Let it be part of your life.

"If you want to shine in front of thousands, you have to work while thousands are not working," Derick shares. He views his career as a series of tests he is proud to pass, fueled by a vision of touring and connecting with a fanbase that values music with real "depth."

Derick performing on stage.

Support Derick’s Journey

We’re incredibly proud to watch Derick continue his journey through his art. You can follow him and listen to his latest releases on Instagram, TikTok, and Spotify by searching for Derick LeDuke.

As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, Derick stands as a living testament to what happens when a community decides to invest in a child's light.

About Harmony Project:

Harmony Project is a nonprofit that provides high-quality music instruction and social support to children year-round at no cost throughout community hubs in Los Angeles. As one of Los Angeles’ largest music education organizations, Harmony Project is dedicated exclusively to serving children from low-income families and under-resourced communities. Harmony Project envisions a world in which all students have equal access to opportunities to learn how to play music and the resources needed to thrive in college and beyond. Harmony Project’s holistic approach to student success has resulted in impressive outcomes with 98 percent of the graduating high school class accepted to a college or university during the 2024-2025 academic year.