Artist Credits
Scott lends his musical muscle to a host of outstanding artists. Currently in the drum throne for Grammy-Nominated multi-instrumentalist John Lee Sanders, Maple Blues Award Winner David Vest, Grammy Award Winner Donald Ray Johnson, Juno and AMA Award Winner Alfie Zappacosta, celebrated keyboardist Keith Emerson, of Emerson, Lake and Palmer, and the celebrated High Energy Kilted Celtic Quartet Kinship.
In addition to the performers mentioned above, Scott has also played with:
Scott has shared the stage with:
Scott’s ability to support artists with style, substance and an organic, flowing groove has helped endear him to these performers and the public alike. Equally important is Scott’s tremendous work ethic, dedication and graciousness. His contributions to these artists have not gone unseen.
Two Music Degrees
Scott believes that the only way to get the most out of drumming is to give back to the next generation of players. So when he is not serving as the musical backbone to a host of artists, he maintains a full roster of drum students. An educator for over 20 years, Scott’s commitment to teaching drum lessons was made manifest in 2006 with the opening of The Modern Drum Room, a sophisticated teaching and recording facility in Kelowna, B.C.
Scott brings a deep understanding of theory and musicianship to his teaching practice. In addition to giving students a broad foundation in the basics and mechanics of drumming, Scott also works to develop students’ ability to play musically and for the song. Additionally, he shares his deep understanding of rock, latin, jazz and blues styles of drumming, to help students grow as players.
Scott holds two music degrees—an honors diploma from the famed Percussion Institute of Technology (PIT) in Los Angeles and another from Humber College in Toronto. Scott also studied privately with drum gurus Jim Blackley, Steve Houghton, Ralph Humphries, Jeff Porcaro, Paul Delong, Roger Flock, Barry Elmes, Rick Lazar, Memo Acevedo, Chris Adams, co-author of The New Breed II and Bob Moses, author of the noted drum instructional, Drum Wisdom.
Early Years
Raised in the idyllic town of Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada, Scott Grant began drumming at the tender age of 14. His love for drums was cemented after seeing Jerry Mercer of April Wine play during The Nature of the Beast Tour. Scott traded in his saxophone for a pair of drumsticks and never looked back.
A Passion for Perfection
Scott made the most of his primary school music studies, playing in the school orchestra and countless junior and high school rock bands. After living vicariously through the rock and blues bands of the day, Scott decided to take his musical aspirations higher, asking his parents for private drum instruction. His wish was granted in 1981, when he began studying with renowned Canadian drummer/percussionist Trevor Salloum. Then, as he grew even more serious about music, Scott enrolled in Toronto’s Humber College, where he began studying privately with master drummer Jim Blackley
Practice, Practice, Practice
Under Blackley’s tutelage, Scott began developing his musical aptitude and signature drumming style. He absorbed and polished drumming fundamentals and embraced a selfless approach to musical artistry that has served him well in his drumming career. “I was incredibly fortunate to study with Jim for four years… to this day, the thing I remember most was that not once did Jim ever "show me " anything by way of demonstration. But he sure did paint big pictures and dispense great wisdom and perspective. He would say one thing and it would completely undo me and change my whole approach to some aspect of my playing. I am a student of Jim’s for life.”
Thanks to his years with Jim and additional studies with other drumming legends, Scott is now passing the torch to a new generation of players through his Modern Drum Room studio.
