Derick Polk grew up on the south side of Chicago, Illinois, and attended two universities in the city: DePaul University, where he earned a degree in music theory, and Northwestern Illinois University, where he earned his degree in music education.

His military career took him out of Chicago and allowed him to explore other parts of the world, such as Italy and Japan, and gave him further opportunities for performance and conducting.

Derick plays tuba in addition to bass, and listens to a wide range of music, including rock, jazz, hip hop, country, and classical. The two most influential musicians in his life are Von Freeman and Fred Anderson, both Chicago jazz legends.