Covy Moore/RVP

Airdrie's Scott McCracken, 19, plays a melody on his drum kit at his home, Jan. 4. McCracken teaches drumming, bringing his passion for the instrument to the homes of his students.

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Teen brings passion for drums to community

At 19, local drummer Scott McCracken has found success in bringing his passion for music to homes all over Airdrie.

McCracken, who graduated from George McDougall High School, wanted to try something new and eyed up a flute or clarinet in the school’s concert band before his mom suggested picking up drum sticks instead.

“No one in my family did music really. I just decided I wanted to do something different,” said McCracken.

“I love drumming for the fact that anything works. I can be creative on it. It’s a very versatile instrument.”

Following the various school band curriculums, taking a couple years of private lessons, and playing in a pair of high school basement bands, McCracken ventured out into the teaching realm after being offered a position with Music Centre Canada (MCC), at age 16.

“Back when I was working that first job at (MCC) I needed some place to go, I needed to try and step things up,” said McCracken. “(They said) we are looking for a teacher. I was absolutely floored. I had very little confidence in myself to do so, but with some guidance and support from (MCC) I was able to get that confidence.”

After three years of fine tuning his teaching techniques and gaining that confidence, McCracken left his post at MCC this past July.

He wanted to see if he could share his passion on his own, without the limitations of working under a franchise.

“I wanted take a more personal approach,” said McCracken. “Now, I am going around to each person’s house, and teaching them on their own kits, doing things on their own terms.”

McCracken is offering private lessons, tailored to each individual students for their experience, and what they want to get out of music.

So far, in the five months, McCracken said feedback has been great from both students and parents.

“They feel extremely comfortable, I go to them, so they are already in their own happy place,” said McCracken. “Parents love it. Obviously I can’t sneak out without letting them know what is going on the students. I have to go to these lessons very prepared.

“I love the expression. Music is an art. You can like it, or you can hate it. I can listen to the same song as you, and it can stir up very different emotions,” said McCracken.

“As far as teaching goes, I love passing on whatever I can to help people get better at what they are doing.”