Hello and welcome. This series of web pages hopefully serves as a portal for you, kind web surfer, into the musical "arc" of Mark Scott of Scottunes Music. In my early twenties I pursued music full-time - for about a year - and I concluded that I was not articulate nor flashy enough of a performer (and I was unwilling to sacrifice my personal freedom and privacy) to be a "star". My talents were more sublime. Except for a few years as a young man, physically I was always a bit gawky, certainly no "looker", but indeed I have had the strength and courage that my gift gave me to persevere.

What I discovered I am good at, when I was fairly young, is inventing chord progressions and melody lines where none existed before. Songs!

When I took piano lessons as a child, I enjoyed the instrument and its tonality, its chords, and I ♥ melody lines... but learned quickly that reading music is difficult! I had neither the time nor patience for it then. Luckily for me one doesn't need that kind of technical acumen to understand and appreciate the nuances of musicality. You need an ear and a spark. It discovered that spark within myself. But reading music, no... that's MUCH more complex.

I did not major in music during post-secondary education because I did not want to scrutinize other writers too closely, for fear of not being able to find my own way as a writer. It may have been folly, but that was my reasoning at the time. I didn't turn off the radio. I didn't quit enjoying the music of others to any degree other than to refuse to analyze. To say we are not influenced by what we hear and "live through" is also folly, of course. I have managed to discover new songs, well-rounded and vital. I have this knack...

So I encourage you to browse, this is a fluid site and rather personal in places. It is not a means to "show off", nor to convince, but to allow those who may be interested in some of the inner workings of a composer who, like Picasso, might only "sell" one song before shuffling off of this mortal coil. And that's... okay.

Please do not mistake confidence for arrogance. I am a persistent person. I am a common man. But I have certainly created some uncommon music.

Yours,
Mark Scott
February 2012

lately...

WRITING

Soon, my song "Go Plant a Tree" may be included in a CD of "green" children's songs associated with the "Giggles the Green Bean" book written by Lauren Davis and illustrated by Michael Vincent Fusco. Proceeds go to benefit the Save a Tree Foundation.

Working with lyricist Jasper Hale we hit one out of the park in the country-styled "You Should've Said No". Very proud of it. Likely to be included in an upcoming CD in the planning stages, which is looking to be an entire "album" of my ambient music, due out in 2012.

SINGING

Clearwater Chorus' November 19th show at Ruth Eckerd's main stage went quite well, based on audience attendance and feedback. The director, Robert Drick, picked some challenging but beautiful numbers. It's always nice to dress up in a tuxedo! It's a great learning experience and a wonderful world-class venue! Nancy was in the Ensemble and I accompanied a soloist on guitar. Big room.

We are currently in rehearsal for our show on May 15th 2012 at, of course, Ruth Eckerd Hall's main stage. My wife and my daughter will be there as well (both in the ensemble this time). We hope to see you there.

PLAYING

AMBIENT MUSIC - BOOKING NOW! "New Age" (tasteful vocal-free background) music for your special parties and events. I am available to play beautiful, interesting, original compositions on piano/keyboards for you to enhance the atmosphere. With or without accompanist.

Mark playing ambient music during the Grand Opening of Crafty Threads, Oldsmar Florida

Playing at various store openings and private functions in the Tampa Bay area! Look for me at the grand opening of the Court Street Galleria in sparkling downtown Clearwater.

Please go to the AMBIENCE page to listen to some samples!

A couple times last year, I was invited by guitarist/singer Bradley Brown to sit in on bass with his band -- The Insiders -- at The Inn in Dunedin. With no rehearsal I "winged" my way through four hours of rock and roll and much to Bradley's surprise, I expect, also helped him out with some apt harmony vocals. The crowd was dancing and receptive and I don't believe anyone knew that I had NEVER played all but a couple of those songs on bass before that night. I guess those years in The VIPs and the Inmates paid off!

Cheers