
Scott S.

Teaching Locations:



Teaching Locations:



Levels taught:
Beginner, Intermediate, AdvancedAbout Scott S.
I have been playing drums and percussion since the ripe old age of 9, in 4th grade. Originally wanting to play the clarinet, my music teacher thought my sense of rhythm was too good to waste and placed me in the drum section. I was the only kid who didn't want to play drums. Over twenty years later here I am, a professional freelancing percussionist and teacher. The journey to where I am was a long and winding one but I can't imagine it any other way. After learning basic drumming in elementary school, I continued through middle school. There I was placed on drum kit and thought I was the coolest. I didn't take it too seriously but serious enough to keep playing drum kit. When choosing high schools I wasn't interested in keeping with drums. I only took marching band because it meant no gym. After my first year I was placed in every band the next three years, having to learn timpani and marimba for concert band. I was also recommended to join a city wide concert band, InterSchool orchestras of New York. The organization was combined with Third Street Music Settlement where I now work as a teacher and I still coach the band and help tons of high school and middle school students hone their craft. Also that year, through ISO, I was given a chance to attend French woods performing arts camp on scholarship where I began my love of playing in musical pit orchestras. Through this time I studied with a couple of teachers and had plenty of coachings with professional percussionists. Upon graduating I have played well over 100 different musicals, played with over 25 different orchestras, and have taught over 100 students both privately and in coachings. I currently run a Drumline out of a private school, teach at Third Street, am a teaching artist for the NY Pops, freelance and have a studio of 16 students. That is a short sample of my journey and I hope it inspires you to study with me.
If you choose me as a teacher, I will shape you as an overall musician, not just a "Drummer". What this means is that you won't just learn beats from me, you will learn all the fundamentals of basic to intermediate music theory, from note reading and rhythm to chord changes and ..... You will start on a practice pad and quickly go to a drum kit. Lessons will be half and half, but more 75/25 drumkit, because everything you learn on a pad can translate to the kit! I would also teach you timpani and xylophone if you like so you can broaden your horizons and even get into the middle/high school or college you want. I have most of my books of pdf that I can give you to print or you can purchase your own copies. You would also need to purchase a practice pad and eventually a drum kit. If you don't want to purchase a drum kit then there is almost no reason to study it since you won't be able to practice between lessons. Practicing, let's talk about that. It is expected that you practice the material we learn in the lesson throughout the week. Now I know everyone is busy, but if you can put aside 25 minutes (a sitcom without commercials!!) a day then you will have a better understanding and better retention of the material. Doing this will let us just review the material a little bit and go on to learn new and exciting things.
The bottom line in choosing me? I am a professional musician in the trenches of the nyc music scene and know what it takes to make it.
Reviews
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Had my first lesson with Scott today. I was very happy with the way it went . I'm 50 years old with no experience at all - so I can honestly say the lesson was enjoyable without any pressure.

Scott is amazing with our 7 year son beginner. He has him so engaged and excited to learn & play. He's a one-of-a-kind teacher.

Scott is inspiring, motivating, caring, attentive, personal and professional. In only a few weeks my daughter is developing a solid foundation in technique, rhythmic notation and musicianship. I would strongly reccommend him.

Scott has been wonderful with my child! He really knows how to motivate him to practice while still making the lessons fun. I recommend him for any young drum student.
Photos & Videos
12 Photos & VideosExperience
Teaching Artist
Sep 2018 - PresentThe New York Pops
A drum and percussion specialist with residencies at multiple NYC middle and high schools assisting with the advancement of percussion abilities.
Percussion Teacher
Sep 2017 - PresentThird Street Music Settlement
Coach of the Symphonic band and private teacher of a studio of 8 students.
Drumline Instructor
Sep 2012 - PresentXaverian High School
Teach and train beginners to advanced students how to play as one in a drumline setting.
Private Teacher
Sep 2004 - PresentMyself
Teaching privately. Age range from 8-40. Helped many students enter the middle school, high school and even college of their choice.
Freelance Percussionist
Sep 2004 - PresentMyself
Have gigged with over 25 orchestras including the Staten Island Philharmonic, Chelsea Symphony, Greenwich Village Orchestra, One World Symphony. Have played in over 100 musicals with troupes such as Harbor Lights, Gallery Players, Rockaway Theater, Narrows Community.
Percussion Coach
Sep 2004 - May 2018InterSchool Orchestras of New York
Coach for the Symphonic Band and Symphony Orchestra, Helped students learn and understand their part as well as playing with an ensemble. Annual performances at Alice Tully Hall, Carnegie Hall, Jazz At Lincoln Center.
Head of Percussion
Jun 2004 - Aug 2013French Woods Festival of the Performing Arts
Coached Symphonic Band, Orchestra, Jazz Band. Taught private lessons to age 8-18 students. Established the first Percussion Ensemble at the camp. Played in over 12 pit orchestras a summer.
Education
Percussion performance
Sep 2004 - May 2006Brooklyn College
Languages
English
Fluent / Native Proficiency
Affiliations
Percussive Arts Society, The
Jul 2012Let Our Student Counselors Help You
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