Scott is a teacher with over 32 years experience, Scott is considered by many a ‘chameleon’ of music, he’s able to adapt to many styles convincingly.
Receiving his bachelor’s degree in music from the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston he’s been a highly sought after musician since returning home to the islands. His work experience is extensive to say the least. His theatre work includes Evita, Jesus Christ Superstar, Song and Dance as well as Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. His spectrum of ensemble work includes but is not limited to : Sean Naa’au, (reggae), Naleo Pilimehana, (island contemporary), Hula Joe and the Hutjumpers (swing, jump swing), Jazz Hawaii Big Band, Bad Mojo, Resistors (hard rock, classic rock), Gilbert Batangan quartet (bepop, modern jazz) as well as tribute shows : Stars in Concert and Blue Hawaii, playing the music of Elvis, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Tina Turner, Whitney Houston, Little Richard, Elton John, and The Blues Brothers. Currently working with Hawaii’s hottest R&B/Soul band Eight-0-Eight, 16th Ave. Jazz Quartet, The Fat Cats Blues Band, and folk music with The Art of Whimsey not to mention countless freelance work, it is evident the broad stroke of his passion.
Scott prides himself on recognizing an individuals learning strengths to help design each lesson to utilize those strength to their fullest.
Scott strives to tailor lessons to each students’ needs and goals. He is proficient in all styles of music and after covering basic fundamentals students can customize lessons to learn music that they want to learn while also focusing on developing proper technique to help reach their goals quickly and efficiently while being provided with the basic skills and study materials they need to be successful.
Learning to play music is about more than just attaining proficiency on an instrument. It’s about building self-esteem, a strong work ethic, learning to effectively set and achieve goals. As a teacher, Benjamin is always making an effort to be a positive and motivational force in each of his students’ lives. He strongly believes it is his responsibility to learn as much as he can about every student that comes his way, in order to tailor his classes for individual needs. He seeks not only to teach his students to read and play classical music, but to encourage them to be all round good musicians, which involves training their ear and inviting them to bring what excites them about music to their lessons.