New Mexico native Derek Manteufel, attended Eldorado High School before enrolling at the University of New Mexico, where he continued his studies under Santa Fe Symphony principal tuba, Dr. Richard White.

He performed with the Albuquerque Youth Symphony for four years, the New Mexico All State Symphonic Band for two years, and the New Mexico All State Symphonic Orchestra for two years.

After completing his undergraduate work at UNM, Derek moved to Chicago, where he studied with Gene Pokorny at Northwestern University. He returned to Albuquerque in 2019 after he completed his masters degree in music.