Today we’d like to introduce you to Scott McVaugh.
Hi Scott, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My folks got me music lessons after I figured out the Olympics theme on our family’s piano. When I switched schools, they let me choose another instrument since piano lessons were no longer offered, so I thought saxophones looked cool and started lessons and band class at 4th grade. Tried indoor drum line out because the drummers seemed to be having the most fun. Switched again to Sousaphone and Tuba when the high school band director said they needed someone. Traded a friend on the school bus for my first electric guitar. I was good at math, and got in places working in accounting, which would help me out later. I opened my first music shop at 23 in a suburb of Philadelphia. Found my niche teaching music lessons and performing. Eventually I combined all the instruments I learned into a one-man band show. I learned a set list of oldies and generally positive music after performing in the music program at an adult day care center and seeing how powerfully music could affect people. I moved to Myrtle Beach about 5 years ago, started teaching and got in with a local band, and resumed finding solo gigs. I started painting as a hobby when I was 18 and just about a year ago I started leading painting classes as well and started getting some commissions. I’ve currently got a home recording studio with green screens and shoot videos or live stream sometimes too. Starting to mature as an artist and hoping to make art that inspires people for positive change in the world.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Most of my challenges has been balancing work and personal life. Luckily I love what I do. Sometimes I get sidetracked on projects and life but I always go back to the same core stuff.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I designed and built a few specialized guitars to go with my one-man band setup. I took traditional electric guitars and modified them to hold 2 bass strings and 4 guitar strings. I also changed the wiring so I can send the bass parts and guitar parts to separate amplifiers so when I play it, it sounds like 2 people. I also modified a drum set to play with only foot pedals, so I can sound like a 3 or 4 piece band, live, with no looper pedals or special effects. I sing while I am doing it too.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Don’t be scared to be loud and use your voice. My favorite lesson to teach is showing people how to yell “NO!” I wish I would’ve learned that lesson sooner.
Also, street performing is amazingly fun and educational. You learn what people like quickly, and you can make a living doing just that in the right places.
Pricing:
- Performances $100/hour
- Lessons $75/hour
Contact Info:
- Website: https://urockllc.com/
- Instagram: @UROCKLLC
- Youtube: @UROCKLLC
