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JACK SHANAHAN

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Scott (coach)

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Drums Instructor

Scott was brought up in a musical family, with his father being his biggest influence and inspiration. He states he was given the gift of "time" from his parents allowing him to start drumming at the age of 6 and never restricting the music he listened to or amount of time spent "banging" on his drums. 

 

Scott began formal lessons in the 4th grade with Al Gideon out of Lowell, MA. During these years Scott would regularly attend "jams" with his father and playing drums with his various musicians.

"This taught me so much about how to listen and feel what was being created around me, and not just play beats".

Over the years Scott would play in school jazz band while continuing formal lessons.  In the eighth grade Scott's father reversed his "left handed setup" to play right-handed. He felt this would strengthen his versatility.

By high school Scott began studies with Joe Rizzo opening his playing up to a progressive style allowing more creativity and open-minded performance.  After three years of these studies Scott tested to study with the late Alan Dawson. "Alan would simply present my lesson in a very dry manner and the expectation was I work it, work it, and work it."

During his teen years Scott marched with the Citations Drum Corp for one year before landing a position in the snare line with the Boston Crusaders. "This was intense but so fun!"

Following his 3-4 years with the Crusaders Scott took private lessons with William Kennedy. "This was an eye-opening experience of unlimited possibilities from behind the kit".

Dating back to his early teens, Scott has played in numerous musical acts from heavy metal, funk, fusion, and GB top 40 music, in 2012 Scott began writing Drum based instrumental music called IndepenDRUM. Some of his tracks were used on the SyFy Channel and for various programming. In 2002 Scott met Jack Shanahan and began a long and "adventurous" musical relationship. "I have always respected Jack as a musician and more importantly as a friend. His energy is contagious and his talent makes everyone around him better."

I hope to bring my life long passion, the gift of music to students,

 

"It is my hope that those who have an inkling to write, play, or otherwise do so. If not for yourself then for the rest of us. It's not only that the world needs more artists, it's also a lot of fun."- Chick Corea

FAVORITE MUSICAL ARTIST

Tower of Power, Cat Stevens, Andreas Vollenweider, Bruce Hornsby, Dave Matthews Band, Dream Theater

1st song you learned beginning to end

The first songs I remember learning in the 3rd or 4th grade were: "Going to Kansas City" and "Mustang Sally" (these were with my father. He would play his acoustic guitar and sing while we jammed). In the 5th grade I learned two songs by the Beatles "Get by with a little help from my friends" and "Can't buy me love" for chorus.

INSTRUMENT YOU WISH TO PLAY

Bass guitar and upright Bass

FAVORITE SONG
  • What is Hip - Tower of Power

  • The Curse - Agnus Obell

  • Scarred - Dream Theater

  • Sir Duke - Stevie Wonder

what inspired you into music

My father first and foremost, I was brought up in a musical family and my mother and father gifted us with time and the freedom to do what we enjoyed.  There is nothing like the emotions music can strike. It transcends all boundaries.

FAVORITE TEACHING MOMENT

Being part of that "Aha" moment when my student would figure out that part of a song or rythm is inspiring to me as much as it is to them.

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