Welcome!
Scot Marshall is an acoustic and electric bassist and vocalist. His professional career as a musician and entertainer has spanned over 45 years. Born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska, at an early age Scot found himself wanting to be a musician, a bass player, a singer, a storyteller. As his skills improved and his repertoire expanded, Scot began to explore the history of musical narrative.
In his 20s, Scot had the privilege of studying bass with jazz legend, Rufus Reid. It was at this time that Scot realized that jazz improvisation is very conducive to the art of telling stories. With this approach, the musician storyteller plays to convey meaning that might otherwise remain in the background. Rather, the musician storyteller's performance directs the narrative, bringing the story's meaning to the heart of every gathering.
Scot shares his wealth of knowledge and experience teaching bass, guitar and voice lessons in Reno Nevada. Scot also offers many other services including live solo and ensemble performance, multi-character voice-over acting, storytelling, and wedding planning. This Web site is an introduction to Scot's services, and an invitation to reach out and make contact.
Scot's performances blend spoken word, song and instrumental accompaniment in unique and exciting ways. He draws on a rich family tradition – he learned many real-life stories from his parents and grandparents – especially his grandmother, Adabelle Cherry Marshall, who traveled with Chautauqua from 1916-1918.
Scot has been an active part of the Reno music scene since 1985 and has played with the Omaha Symphony,The Fargo/Moorhead Symphony, The Reno Philharmonic Orchestra, Reno Chamber Orchestra, Arthur Fiedler, The Diamonds, Greg Adams, The Jordanaires, Mimi Fox, Gary Karr, and many more.
Scot welcomes you to explore his official Web site.
Scot Marshall As Music Teacher
Scot Marshall teaches acoustic and electric bass with emphasis on becoming a “thinking bass player” regardless of genre. Technical facility on the instrument is combined with an understanding of how music works. Learning to read music, play “by ear” and learning to improvise are all indispensable tools for playing in a jazz ensemble, a rock band or a symphony orchestra. On the ground level, Scot's teaching method centers around helping each student to develop a basic or embodied understanding of rhythm, harmony, structure and form, elements that are necessary for creating great basslines.
The bass is the foundation of any band or orchestra, whether you play acoustic or electric bass, amplified or unamplified, with the bow or with your fingers. Scot will show you the tools that will enable you to take what you hear in your head and play it on the bass regardless of your age or experience.
An emphasis, too, is placed on integrating each individual player and instrument with the practical dynamics of ensemble performance.
Music and Technique
It's easy to book Scot for special event performances covering musical genres ranging from Swing, Latin & Jazz, to Rock, Country, Bluegrass and even Holiday Classics.
Scot will work with you to plan the exact mood and dynamic
for your event. Is it a dance party? A wedding? A reunion? Scot will deliver a memorable performance that will make your event truly unique.
With over four decades of entertaining music lovers in the Reno/Sparks/Lake Tahoe area, for occasions that call for fun, Scot will make sure the music exceeds your expectations.
Scot Will Plan Your Wedding!
With time for planning and preparation, Scot can provide virtually any music you would like for your special day. Scot will consult with the bride and groom to carefully select each piece to be played with the intent to create a most wonderful, memorable celebration. This includes specific musical selections for all of the cues -- arrival music, the ceremony, the first dance with bride and groom, the dances of mother and son, father and daughter, the full floor, and more.
Scot is also an experienced emcee and can provide all the informational and transitional announcements througout the event. With a great speaking voice and a lively presentational style, Scot will keep the party informed and entertained, and he will make sure transitions run smoothly, the event moving at a perfect pace.
From intimate folk or classical during the ceremony to a reception with swing, Latin, R&B and all kinds of dance, allow Scot to bring a musical presence to your service that will translate emotions, mirror desires, and launch a thousand sweet memories for the future.
The Art of Telling Stories
Scot, a critically acclaimed storyteller, spent six years on the Reno River City Storytelling Festival Committee. He has participated in storytelling festivals in Reno and Omaha, and was a featured performer with In-Tune Tales during the 2004 Nevada Reading Week Conference.
Voice-over Acting
Scot is fluent in off-camera voice acting. He provides his services for animated characters, comedic or dramatic characters, and documentary narration. Scot gives a strong, personalized voice to radio, film, television, and digital recordings and video games.
A good voice matters.
Presently, Scot Marshall is President of For The Love Of Jazz (renojazz.org). For the Love of Jazz is governed by a board of directors drawn from the community.
