MEET YOUR INSTRUCTORS
YOUR PERSONALIZED INSTRUCTION
Scottsdale Music Academy is first and foremost ALL ABOUT OUR STUDENTS and PARENTS. This is why we have the best in the business on our teaching staff. All of our music industry certified instructors have real-world music experience and a passion, as well as knowledge, for music education, so that our students can learn form someone with a deep understanding of their instrument. Of course having the skill to play like a pro is a requirement for all SMA instructors, however we all know that being a great musician does not always make for a great instructor. That is why every SMA instructor is not only required to have the skill and facility of a professional musician but the patients and heart of a teacher. Adult and youth students can be confident that your SMA instructor will be dedicated to YOU and YOUR goals and will help you reach them in the most efficient and effective way possible! And have fun in the process!
Stephen: Piano, Guitar, Bass Guitar, Ukulele
Bachelor’s In Music Education
Stephen is a dynamic multi-instrumentalist and music educator originally from Jacksonville, Florida. His musical journey began in his high school band program, where he quickly discovered a lifelong passion for performance, creativity, and collaboration. Since then, Stephen has performed across North Florida in a wide range of musical styles, including jazz, rock, gospel, pop, choral, and classical orchestral and band settings.
Stephen holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from the University of North Florida, with a concentration in secondary-level band direction. His training allows him to offer well-rounded, student-focused private lessons in piano, guitar, and bass, with an emphasis on building strong fundamentals, musical curiosity, and personal expression.
Known for his patient, encouraging teaching style, Stephen creates a learning environment where students feel comfortable trying new things and developing at their own pace. Whether a student wants to read sheet music, learn to improvise, or explore songwriting, Stephen adapts each lesson to meet individual goals and interests.
Outside the studio, Stephen’s creativity shines in other ways—he’s an avid sports fan, LEGO builder, hiker, and food explorer, always bringing that same sense of fun and wonder into his lessons.
With his broad musical background, strong academic training, and upbeat personality, Stephen helps students of all ages and skill levels unlock their musical potential—and enjoy every step of the journey.
Erin: Voice, Piano
Bachelor’s In Music
Erin is an accomplished theater, sacred, and concert musician with a deep-rooted passion for vocal performance and education. She holds a Bachelor’s of Music in Voice from Southern Methodist University (2003) and has contracted with both the Arizona and Phoenix Opera Companies, making regular seasonal appearances with professional and volunteer ensembles throughout the region.
With years of experience in both the performing arts and academic communities, Erin inspires students to pursue vocal auditions in multiple languages—including Spanish, French, Italian, Hebrew, German, and Latin. Her instruction blends artistry with discipline, helping each student connect to focus, power, confidence, preparation, and the joy of sharing music across genres.
Erin served as a music minister at Via de Cristo United Methodist Fellowship/Faith Community for 10 years, in addition to working with several other congregations. Her passion for peace under pressure, skill in vocal analysis, and contagious curiosity for lyrical expression make her lessons both profound and uplifting.
Each lesson incorporates timed warm-ups, basic keyboard skills, and a customized approach tailored to the student’s greatest area of need. Every achievement is celebrated through performance opportunities that build confidence and stage presence.
For her most dedicated and consistent students, Erin offers guidance on ensemble auditions, competitions, resume building, and continuing education—helping them grow not only as singers but as lifelong musicians.
“Empowering passion through the language of music” – Dominick
Dominick: Guitar, Bass Guitar
A former student of SMA owner John Davis, Dominick carries on a generational legacy of inspiring music education, empowering his own students the same way he was mentored over 20 years ago. With more than 15 years of experience, he offers personalized guitar lessons in Scottsdale for students of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels.
Dominick is known for striking the perfect balance between technique, theory, and fun—ensuring that every student not only improves but truly enjoys their musical journey. Whether you’re picking up the guitar for the first time or looking to level up your playing, Dominick tailors each lesson to match your learning style and goals.
From church worship bands and progressive metal groups to Latin jazz ensembles and theater orchestras, Dominick’s diverse performance background enriches every lesson. His wide-ranging experience helps students expand their musical vocabulary and discover new genres and techniques on the guitar.
In addition to his live performance work, Dominick is a seasoned recording artist and session guitarist, with releases from past bands, solo projects, and collaborations. He actively encourages students to embrace their creativity, offering guidance in songwriting and home recording as part of their musical growth.
With his deep passion for teaching and versatile skillset, Dominick offers some of the most engaging and well-rounded guitar lessons in Scottsdale, helping students build confidence, express themselves, and reach their full musical potential.
“AMPLIFYING PEOPLE’S CONFIDENCE AND PASSION FOR LEARNING MUSIC IS IN OUR ORGANIZATIONAL DNA. WE WILL STOP AT NOTHING TO DELIVER ON OUR PROMISE TO TEACH, INSPIRE, AND MOTIVATE OUR STUDENTS.” Owner, John Davis
John Davis: Owner & Lead Instructor
Musicians Institute, G.I.T
John Davis is the proud (and extremely humble) owner and lead instructor of Scottsdale Music Academy. Since graduating from the renowned Musicians Institute (formerly G.I.T.) in 1996, John has dedicated his life to playing professionally and teaching guitar lessons to passionate students of all ages and backgrounds.
As a musician-turned-instructor, John believes music should be fun, freeing, and deeply personal. His mission is to break students out of the rigid “rat box” approach to learning guitar, helping them explore creativity, confidence, and genuine musical expression.
On the professional side, John has co-written and recorded two major releases and starred in several MTV music videos as a member of the band F5. From 2005–2007, he toured the U.S. by bus (with 8 smelly dudes, no less), sharing the stage with major acts like Alice Cooper, Staind, 3 Days Grace, Tesla, Alex Skolnick (Testament), David Ellefson, Jack Blades, and Tommy Shaw.
In the studio, he’s worked with top-tier producers including Bob Marlette (Tracy Chapman, Alice Cooper, Shinedown) and Ryan Greene (No-FX, Lita Ford, Dishwalla), gaining a deep understanding of the music industry that he now shares with his students.
Whether on stage, in the studio, or in a lesson room, John’s passion for music is infectious, and nothing gives him greater joy than helping others discover and pursue their own musical dreams.
“Drumming is more than rhythm—it’s a path to confidence, creativity, and connection.” – Nathan
Nathan: Drums, Band Coaching, artist development
Nathan is a highly skilled and passionate drum instructor based in Scottsdale, Arizona, specializing in personalized drum lessons for all ages and skill levels. With a strong foundation in classical music performance, Nathan brings a deep understanding of rhythm, technique, and musicality to every session—ensuring students not only improve quickly but also develop a true love for drumming.
With years of real-world experience in the music industry, Nathan has worked extensively in artist development, helping musicians refine their craft and build successful careers. His dynamic background bridges the gap between formal training and practical, modern musicianship—making his drum lessons both educational and inspiring.
Nathan’s commitment to music education and community impact is reflected in his work with A Place Called Home, a nonprofit organization in South Central Los Angeles. There, he led percussion programs that empowered underserved youth, building confidence, creativity, and discipline through music.
Whether you’re a beginner picking up drumsticks for the first time or an experienced player looking to elevate your skills, Nathan offers engaging, results-driven drum lessons in Scottsdale that are tailored to each student’s goals and learning style.
“If art is how we decorate space, music is how we decorate time.” – Salah
Salah: Guitar, Bass, Drums, Voice, Ukulele, Band Coaching
With over a decade of teaching experience, Salah offers inspiring and personalized guitar lessons in Scottsdale that blend musical passion with professional expertise. Whether you’re learning your first chords or tackling advanced compositions, Salah makes the journey approachable, engaging, and deeply rewarding.
As a multi-instrumentalist, Salah brings a broad musical perspective to each lesson, connecting with students of all skill levels and styles. His signature “music-forward” approach sets him apart—integrating technical skills directly into the music students love. Instead of isolated drills, Salah builds technique organically through songs that excite and motivate.
Whether your dream is to strum along to your favorite campfire tunes, audition for a university ensemble, or master a solo that’s challenged you for years, Salah adapts his lessons to align with your unique musical goals.
“I believe in diving deep into the music itself,” Salah says. “By exploring each piece in depth, students grow technically while staying inspired.”
From one-on-one guitar instruction to ensemble coaching and even piano accompaniment, Salah brings a holistic, supportive energy to every session. His mission is simple: to help students unlock their full potential and find joy and confidence in their musical journey.