Piano with Scott S.

I am a teacher, drummer, percussionist, pianist, guitarist, composer, and performer from Miami, Florida with a total of 16 years of experience; but above all, I’m just someone who enjoys passing on the same happiness that music brings me. My dad, a fellow drummer, began teaching me at the age of 8. From this point on I loved every minute of it. I began participating in various music programs and school concerts. By the age of 14 I began writing and performing original music. Since then I have performed in various universities and colleges, such as Berklee College of Music, FIU, UM, and Miami Dade. I have also performed in concert halls such as Gusman Hall, and various venues and restaurants such as Tobacco Road, Uva Restaurant and Lounge, Studio A, The Vagabond, Club Flavor, Purdie Lounge, Jazzid, and many more. With these experiences I am capable of showing the student exactly what it takes to perform and how they can reach that point. Toward the end of high school, I picked up two new instruments: piano and guitar. Both of them became my new focus, which proved that I was not only a drummer, but I was a dedicated and passionate musician. From there I began studying music at Miami-Dade College. By the time I received my AA degree I developed a strong understanding for jazz, funk, and Latin music. After that I attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA. Here, I had the tremendous opportunity to study with legendary drummers such as Terri Lyne Carrington, Kim Plainfield, Mark Walker, Skip Hadden, Yoron Israel, Alberto Netto, and Sergio Bellotti, incredible pianists and percussionists, such as Ed Saindon and Richard Flanagan, and phenomenal guitarists such as Steven Kirby and Dan Bowden. In addition to studying with these greats, I was trained in various music education classes, one in particular called “The Private Studio Teacher”. This class contained in-depth training on what it is to be a private instructor for all instruments. This unique class is only offered at Berklee, so I am privileged to have had this unique training. I’ve been told that I have an ironic combination of a laid back personality mixed with an extreme work ethic. I believe in having fun while we’re on this earth and to me, working hard to achieve what you really want can also be a lot of fun. *** Lesson Details *** My objective is simple: To educate, inspire, and guide students into understanding the world of music. Let me break it down… When I say the word educate I mean that I inform my students of all the necessary knowledge to achieve whatever it is that they want to achieve in music. I do this in a fashion that is clear and concise. I don’t believe in busy work, so my students reach their goals as quickly and accurately as possible. When I say inspire, I mean that I take all of the necessary steps to ensure that my student stays inspired. Inspiration is the key to the car that drives you straight to your goals…no detours…no gas breaks. Inspiration makes that long drive something you look forward to every single day! However, if the student lacks inspiration, he/she might see the “car ride” more as a 1 million hour drive, in which all radio stations only play “The song that never ends”. Kinda sounds like The Twilight Zone if you ask me. So, to ensure that this does not happen, I always bring my own inspiration to the lesson, there’s always a smile on my face, I provide exciting materials, and I always involve the student by getting them to voice their own opinions. Lastly, I say the word guide because it most accurately represents my style as a music instructor. One might ask, “When you say the word, guide, do you mean the word, teach?” My answer would be as follows: “Nope”. The definition of the word guide is: “ To show the way to someone”, where as the definition of the word teach is: “ To explain to someone how to do something”. The word “teach” subtly implies that the instructor explains how to learn the current song, but does not take the time to capture the valuable lessons along the way, which can provide the student with additional skills, the ability to learn future songs on their own, greater music appreciation, important concepts, and practice techniques. As a music instructor, I guide my students by pointing them in the direction and following them along the way to provide support. In other words, I don’t give lectures; I involve them. I encourage questions and discussion because this method has proven success, countless times, in the student’s instrumental proficiency, as well as contentment in what they do. *** Studio Equipment *** My studio includes all necessary equipment: -Drum Set: Gretsch Catalina Club Jazz Kit (4 piece) with Sabian & Zildjian Cymbals. -Piano: Williams Etude mk2, digital piano -Guitar: Yamaha Acoustic -Sound Absorption Foam -Computer (w/ Internet) -Educational Materials -Additional materials (drumsticks, drum pad, various percussion instruments, guitar picks, music stand, metronome, ear protection, and audio splitter) *** Travel Equipment *** The student is typically expected to provide their own instrument in most cases. However, feel free to contact me about any issues. *** Specialties *** I teach piano, guitar, drums, and percussion. As drum set and percussion are my primary instruments, I am confident in teaching virtually all styles and levels. Regarding piano and guitar, though my teaching methods are well-developed, I am more comfortable with teaching beginner level styles. My method of teaching is very based around the involvement of the student and helping him/her reach their goals. I don't believe in busy work or boring lectures. I teach through question and discussion and I always make sure to provide exciting and effective materials.