Scotty Horey is now taking new inquiries for private drum and percussion lessons (in-person AND online) based out of Wilmington, Delaware for Fall 2022!
Dr. Horey's primary area of professional activity is his dynamic and diverse teaching. He teaches drums and percussion lessons for all ages and levels (children, adult, teen and college level). He also gives clinics and guest presentations in percussion pedagogy, his “holistic awareness” method, meditation techniques for musicians, creativity/song-writing/ensemble skills, music philosophy, and clinic demonstrations from his unique collection of performance repertoire and original compositions with the marimba and drumset.
During his doctoral study, Scotty collaborated with many professors from a variety of music and non-music disciplines to develop his current in depth teaching approaches and pedagogical practices. His doctoral project was entitled “Advanced Percussion Performance through Body, Mind, and Heart” and was a holistic practice for percussionists that combined percussion study with kinesiology, cognitive sciences, mind-body approaches, interpersonal skills, and creativity/interpretation using modernist music and rock music as "in context" examples. This has culminated in his “Holistic Awareness” philosophy he currently uses in all of his teaching practices, and is the focus on his ongoing research. Learn more about his “Holistic Awareness” philosophy HERE.
“Going deeper beyond my education and experience, my overarching teaching philosophy is one of open-mindedness, flexibility, and personal sensitivity. Teaching is not just a job, it is mentorship. It is a relationship. A teacher is a noble figure in a healthy, civilized society. It is important for me to learn about each students’ learning style preferences, communication skills, strengths, weaknesses, as well as family and cultural background. Then, and only then, am I able to put my teaching knowledge and expertise to use to help meet both the students goals, and my expectations as a teacher. I place a high priority in keeping up to date with trends in music research and music education, and make lesson plans for each student prior to meeting with them each week. Private lesson time is a mix between experiential activities for the student, watching students demonstrate their materials, descriptions and demonstrations from myself, and in depth conversations with mutual listening. My goal is to foster skills (mental and physical), responsibility, confidence, creativity, and positive thinking through an integrated two way interaction, and by exemplifying a role model. My goal is to guide each student through music, and in turn, find the true potential of their body, mind, heart, spirit, and culture.
Working with children presents a special challenge, and a special joy. As a private lesson instructor to children ages 6-12, I have several goals: first, is to establish clear instructions and clear behavioral structure for lesson time, to promote learning and to avoid too much “silliness”. Next, I employ simple and fun musical activities for both of us to do together that foster the child’s learning of basic musical concepts on a cognitive, sensory, motor skill, and creative level before moving onto technique and music reading instruction. Most importantly, I regularly affirm to the child that I, as a teacher and role model, share the experience of music with them as a close mentor whom they can trust, including practicing, performing, having fun, and even making mistakes, too! At the end of each lesson, I provide clear expectations of assignments and help a student establish strong home practice habits.
Working one on one can be a very intense and challenging experience for some students (at any age level). I believe it is important to stay in close touch with student’s caregivers and parents/family, and provide guidance and referrals if the student is in need of other types of instruction, education, or care. “
Video documentation of teaching: (lectures and master-classes)
- Discussion on professional and Interpersonal skills for percussionists:
Did you just finish your first lesson? Here is a great way to review! Basic hand technique, taken from my 2016 program “Snapshots of a Journey” season 1:
- Discussion on how you can use theory analysis and improvisation as a tool to learn a new piece: (This video was filmed LIVE at one my clinic presentations.)