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THE TREND, Wednesday, August 9, 2006, page 9

Like a phoenix, his music rose from the ashes

By Gerry Dungan, Trend Leader Intern

In the ruins of the charred and desolate Goodhill strip mall of Broomall, Scot Silver's once melodious and lively first music studio and school will forever remain silent.

The instruments, musical equipment, and studio space were engulfed in a four alarm blaze that occurred on July 10.

"I kind of fell into teaching,' the classically trained musician from West Chester University said.

After providing music therapy for a psychologist, he soon began to teach music as a profession. Next month, the recently shut down studio would have held its tenth anniversary. Silver also opened a Drexel Hill studio in 1998.

"Music is the by-product," he said of those who helped his studio grow. "It's more about seeing things through."

In the light of his 12 years of teaching music: his student enrollment went up from five pupils to 160, complete with a staff of 10 to teach bass, guitar and piano. There is also a voice teacher at the Drexel Hill studio.

This expansion led to opening another studio down the road from the original -- just previous to the fire.

Silver said that they were hoping to put on the finishing touches first, but "so much for plans," he said on the studio's Web site (www.silvermusicstudios.com).

"When life gives you a twist, you can fight or you can roll," said Silver.

This philosophy was first put to the test just before he opened his first studio. His first fire very nearly melted the front of his friend's recording studio when his double gas tank Chevy exploded, with his instruments and equipment gone up in smoke.

His philosophy was tested yet again on March 30 of this year when his Drexel Hill studio was damaged in an electrical fire that "fried the keyboard," he said.

Still rolling with life's twists, Silver has woven himself as a leader in at least four eclectic bands and a member of many others, whose tastes change from classical to funk and whose services are provided through the studio.

In order to accommodate busy schedules, the studio is open from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. and lessons are by appointment only.

Discounted instruments are provided to encourage enrollment, which separates his studio with other music stores that offer lessons.

"They're in the business of selling instruments," said Silver. "We're in the business of reaching people's souls through music."

"They come because they are the few that have been bold enough to," he said regarding his students with certain disabilities.

Along with his studios and bands, Silver also teaches at a special school for mentally disabled men.

"The Silver Music Studio is family," Silver said.

Celebrating the completion of his own family with a newborn daughter on the same night as the Drexel fire. Silver doesn't seem like he'll have much trouble with parenting.

Brothers, Sam and Colin Acchione, are middle and high school students, respectively, who are currently enrolled in the Haverford school system, and have been attending Silver's studio for years.

"It's fun, and I like playing," said Sam, who at 13 has been playing guitar for almost five years now.

"And, the teacher's great," said Colin who got his first bass guitar from the studio.

"These guys probably never fight," Silver said smiling in the intimate setting of the studio.

"It's definitely because of the music," Sam responded.

The Silver Music Studio of Broomall, will be celebrating their 10 year grand opening and open house on Sept. 17, with live performances and refreshments.

For more information please visit the Web site at www.silvermusicstudios.com.

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