Drums
D. Scott Williams
Drum Instruction, Owner
D. Scott Williams is a drummer, educator, author, and the owner of DrumWorks School of Music.
Scott began playing professionally at a young age nearly 30 years ago, and has since played throughout the US as well as on European tours. Scott enjoys a busy performance schedule and plays with a wide variety of artist of different styles. Currently, he can be seen playing live with Pennsylvania guitar legend Mike Dugan, Jake Kaligis and the New Constitution, instrumental funk/fusion trio Drop3, and guitarist Scott Bradoka. Some other artists that Scott has recorded or performed with in the past include: Idle Threats, Rhino Campground, Steve Brosky, New Amsterdam and many others.
Scott is the author of several instructional drum books. They include “The Funky Six”, one of Mel Bay Publications’ best selling drum titles. His newest book, “Drum Fills… The Basics and Beyond”, is currently in production by Mel Bay Publications and will be released internationally later this year.
In constant demand as a drum teacher, he enjoys a busy teaching schedule. For over 15 years, Scott has taught drummers of all ages and skill levels. He has created a strong drum curriculum drawing on years of experience performing, recording, teaching and his life long study of the art of drumming. This enables Scott to offer something to drummers of all styles, ages, and levels of experience. His students vary from absolute beginners (both young and old!) to experienced players looking to further their abilities, and even other drum teachers. For more specific information about Scott’s drum instruction and curriculum, please see the Lessons page of this website, or call 610-391-0720.
Scott has studied at the prestigious Drummer’s Collective in NYC with master teachers Kim Plainfield and Frank Katz, and also with Jimmy DeGrasso (Megadeth, Alice Cooper, Y&T) along with numerous other gifted teachers. The high standards that were set by these teachers remain an important influence on Scott as an educator.
In addition to teaching at his own studio, DrumWorks School of Music, Scott has taught for over 10 years at the California Drum Shop, The Community Music School in Allentown,PA (1984-1985) and was the Percussion Instructor for the Parkland High School Marching Band (1985 & 86 seasons).
Scott is endorsed by Taye Drums, and is a member of the Vic Firth Education Team.
Guitar
Gus Schnable
Guitar Instruction
Gus Schnable has been a professional musician for over 24 years and has been teaching for the past 13 years. Well versed in numerous genres of music, including jazz, funk, r&b, rock, metal, and classical, Gus enjoys a full roster of students and is continually active in recording and performing in various group settings.
Gus holds a Master’s Degree in Music Theory from Temple University. He received his Bachelor’s Degree from Berklee College of Music with a concentration in Jazz Theory and Arranging. He is an active member of The Society of Music Theory, The Music Theory Society of the Mid-Atlantic, and an avid participant in the SMT Jazz and Popular Music discussion groups. In March of 2004, Gus presented a paper at the Mid-Atlantic music theory conference in Philadelphia based on his research in Generative Theory and its applicability to jazz music, specifically in the music of Charles Mingus.
With his education and professional experience, Gus has had success in helping students with placement into college music programs throughout the country. For 13 years, Gus has maintained a thriving private teaching practice in and around the Lehigh Valley area. He has also held an adjunct teaching position at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA (2006-2009).
Since 2005 Gus has been a Sound-Test Consultant for the C.F. Martin guitar company.
Some groups that Gus has recorded and performed with include: Rhino Campground, Devils Half Acre, Scott Bradoka, Flirtin’ with Mama, The Starlites, and Blitz. He has also done pit orchestra work for the Civic Theater in Allentown, PA for the Who’s rock opera “Tommy”.
In the summer of 2006 Gus toured Germany with Scott Bradoka opening for Jeff Beck and Buddy Guy. In 2008 he headed back to Europe, making stops in Germany and Prague with Scott Bradoka and the Staggering Evil Genius’, touring as a support act for Robert Cray, The Hooters, and Dicky Betts. Currently, Gus can be heard playing with the instrumental funk/fusion band Drop3 and the ten piece R&B/Soul band Flirtin’ with the Mob.
Piano
Dan DeChellis
Piano Instruction
Dan DeChellis (pianist) first came to the attention of the improvised/new music world in 1996 with the release of his solo recording debut “Shapes” on the Sachimay label. This recording earned him immediate critical praise and led to appearances throughout the Northeast. Since then DeChellis has released five more CDs on Sachimay and has continued to increase his reputation as one of today’s busiest and most compelling improvisers. He has performed as a soloist, leader and sideman at the Roulette (NY), Knitting Factory (NY), The Middle East (Boston), Mayfair, Grape Street Cafe, Sculler’s Jazz Club (Boston), John and Peter’s, Harvard University, New Langton Arts (CA), The Zeitgeist, ABC NO Rio, Autumn Uprising Festival, the Big Sur Experimental Music Festival and as an organizer and performer at New York’s, Improvised and Otherwise Festival.
Born October 14,1970, DeChellis grew up in Whitehouse Station, NJ. He began piano studies at age five and quickly developed interest in a diverse range of musical styles. From 1989 to 1997 DeChellis received his master’s degree in classical piano. He also studied briefly at the New England Conservatory where he worked closely with legendary composer/pianist Ran Blake, Paul Bley and improviser Masashi Harada.
DeChellis sites influences as diverse as Brian Eno, George Winston, Bill Evans and the music of Anton Webern. DeChellis’s current project involves his own jazz trio which is currently very active with performances and recordings. This summer they will release their 4 CD of original material composed by DeChellis. DeChellis is also on the faculty at Moravian College in Bethlehem, PA where he taught Jazz Piano and directs the Improvised Music Ensemble. Dan is also active in the rock world with local artists, Grey Sky Turn.