I’ve been working with Elliot Schooling for over a year now, helping to develop his understanding of music theory, chord sequences and piano technique. It’s all part of a lifelong ambition to help my talented piano students prove to the world how musically creative dance music’s possibilities could be. Elliot is a case study – and his success proves it.
Appetite, the dance music collective and brand that he co-founded with compadre Liam Palmer, has already transformed the dance music scene with wildly successful events across the world.
Their promotion and branding is eye-catching, as is their social media presence, eg Instagram here.
Elliot has a prodigiously strong work ethic – and he’s applied it to both his playing skills as well as his own music. So proud of his progress; both his playing and his tracks have been transformed. Elliot’s natural musicality is really starting to shine through in his releases.You can hear some of his original work here on his Soundcloud page.
The day when Elliot plays live keyboards during his popular sets won’t be long. Maybe adding synth pads, basslines or melodies over the top of his own as well as others’ tracks? He’s doing it in the studio, so why not do it live?
Just because DJ/producers rarely play instruments live doesn’t mean it shouldn’t become something to reach for. It would make House music – and more broadly the EDM genre, an even more of a live and spontaneous experience than it is already.
Danny’s tried to build this into all his student teaching and music mentoring – helping dance music superstars The Shapeshifters, Glasgow Underground‘s Kevin McKay and Jamie Jones amongst many others along their musical paths.
Piano lessons aren’t just about learning scales and reading the dots.
They can transform any musician’s creativity, whether professional or complete beginner. Ultimately it’s a pathway to true self expression.
After all, what is the common denominator of every recording studio other than just a mixer, speakers and computer?
Keyboards and synths. And lots of them!
Whether triggering drums, bass, synth, choirs, samples or even a complete orchestra for that matter, becoming a good keys player is a fundamental for any serious modern dance music producer.
Most musicians can program half decent beats on an Akai MPC or sequence a standard EDM track on Logic, Ableton or Pro Tools. But how many can play their parts into the software with passion and soul?
I’m convinced that it will be those like Elliot Schooling, who can express themselves on keyboards both in the studio and at live events – in addition to programming and working the decks – who will be the most sought after dance music talents of all.