Derek Sherinian

Derek began piano lessons at the age of five

While still in high school, Sherinian won a scholarship to The Berklee College of Music. He also studied with several private teachers, including Mitchell Forman, T. Lavitz, and Russell Ferrante. He would later cite his influences as being Jan Hammer, Keith Emerson, Rick Wakeman, and Elton John.

First joined Alice Cooper’s band in 1989, and was with Alice on and off until 1998

Derek replaced Kevin Moore in Dream Theatre in 1994, staying with them until 1999, when he himself was replaced by Jordan Rudess

Since leaving Dream Theatre, Sherinian has released several solo albums, and toured with many artists, including Yngwie Malmsteen, and Billy Idol

In 2011, Keyboard Magazine called him a “a keyboard hero for a new generation”