Reviews of Scott's work in Schools
“We are still reeling from the after-effects of your visit on Valentine’s Day. I’ve heard nothing but positive comments from teachers and students who were lucky enough to witness first hand your demonstration and knowledge of the Blues. As for me, I learned way too much from you on the suject of the history of Blues and plan to steal as much of that knowledge from you as is humanly possible.”
–Thom Wood, Lamar High Music Instructor, Darlington, SC
“Scott Ainslie’s performance was extraordinary. Students positively glowed throughout the concert and were impressed with his scholarly knowledge of Bleus history and his musical technique. Students assigned Ainslie’s show the highest possible rating on the survey scale. If Ainslie comes back to town, I’d plan to take students to his shows again in a heartbeat. It was a truly remarkable experience that was so entertaining, you hardly notice the volumes of information being conveyed to you about the Blues and the people who played it.”
–Comments from the Calliope Concerts Executive Summary, Pittsburgh, PA
“It is rare to have a performance that is so completely engaging and so universally praised afterwards. Many students and faculty commented to me that it was the best assembly we have ever had.”
–Jennifer Newitt, Principal, Friends Academy, Locust Valley, NY
“Thank you for the opportunity to host musician and historian Scottt Ainslie at Park Elementary. Students sang, clapped along and responded thoughtfully and enthusiastically. Even a week later, they recall the types of instruments that he showed them and information about the orgins of Blues and Jazz.”
–Teacher evaluation, Park Elementary School, Pittsburgh, PA
Reviews from Guitar Students
Student Evaluations from Swannanoa Gather Guitar Weeks
Scott is the heartbeat of the Blues program. A humble giant of the Blues who shares his soul in class. An excellent teacher and a asuperb human being. Class was great. Way more than I expected.
I have been a student of Scott’s at Augusta and I think he is the best. Class is demanding but the presentation is non-threatening and punctuated with good humor. Seeing his name on the staff list is what got me to come.
One of the finest musical instructors I’ve known. Scott’s suggestions to help improve guitar accompaniment in all our songs were frighteningly incisive and I was very pleased with it. This is a class I would take every year it is offered.
Ainslie has the exceptional blend of ability to play and teach, with the willingness to do so. He gave me new physical abilities and tools to develop at home.
Excellent – what a teacher! In addition to wonderful singer, guitar player, etc. he genuinely cares about his class – each person. That is the feeling he exudes. And Scott has the ability to break things down into small, clear segments. I learned a mountain of new things this week!
A brilliant musician and wonderful person, Ainslie is informative, well-prepared, and very encouraging. Class was great.
What a passionate, knowledgeable, engaging instructor. Scott really helped break bad habits and instill the kind of right hand discipline necessary for playing this kind of music (Blues). I wish I had had him around when I first picked up the guitar.