My first name is Vahl, but I go by my middle name "Scott'. I am a Sacramento-based drummer, focusing on the classic jazz sounds exeplified by Elvin Jones, Tony Williams, etc. Although I first studied classical percussion, I became immersed in jazz in the early 1970s through the Stan Kenton residence workshops, under the tutelage of Peter Erskine, Ramon Lopez, and Gary Hobbs. I have played and recorded with numerous local and international artists, such as Barry Finnerty, Hugh Ragin, Dave Bass, Jessica Williams, Riverrun, Herb Jeffries, and many others. Sight-reading and artful interpretation of big band charts is a particular passion of mine, and I play frequently in several big bands including the Cunha Band, Herdin'Cats, the SacPops Road to Big Band, and I was the jazz ensemble drummer in every school and university I ever attended. I also have a PhD in Computer Science and have been a college professor in that field. See my website: scottgordondrums.com

While I was in college, I taught several days a week at a local music store, for about five years. After that, I continued to teach a few students at my home. Over the years I have taught hundreds of students, many of whom are now professional musicians and educators. For example, one student that I had for two years is now the chair in a college music department and a leader in the Percussive Arts Society. I have a special emphasis in helping students who wish to succeed in auditioning for their college jazz ensemble, which requires confident sight-reading and chart interpretation skills, and stylistic big band sound. Being THE drummer in your school's jazz band is your launch pad!

I am a believer in developing strong fundamentals - reading, rudiments, independence, etc. However, I also believe in helping students develop their own style. For example, my students learn to transcribe by writing out solos played by great drummers, and then compose their own ideas as part of the transcription exercise. For more advanced or older students, my lessons are highly tailored to students' goals. I am only interested in taking students who I feel could benefit specifically from my experience and teaching style - it is important for students to find a "good match" in a teacher. See my instructional videos on scottgordondrums.com.