Today we’d like to introduce you to Scott Tarulli.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started playing professionally a guitarist at age 18 when I joined original rock band “This Side of “7”” – It was the first time I played rock clubs around Boston and Rhode Island.
Soon after I was branching out touring with Funk bands, Blues Bands, Top 40 bands. I also started getting calls to do studio work – mainly recording guitar parts for singer’s demos.
Eventually, I was out every night playing some type of gig. Out of College I was already making a living at Music. I was spending my days practicing around 6 hours a day.
In my late 20s, I was hired to teach at Berklee College of Music, where I am now Assistant Professor of Guitar.
Aside from spending time as a busy Boston local sideman and touring artist, Scott performs live and records with players like Jerry Marotta, Tony Levin, Mark Egan, Ira Coleman, Nile Rodgers, Steve Gadd, Abe Laboriel, The Temptations, Bernard Purdie, Chuck Rainey, Peter Eldridge, and Guthrie Govan, to name a few.
Scott is also a Professor of guitar at renowned Berklee College of Music in Boston where he teaches private students and professional guitar labs.
His touring schedule includes live performances, master classes, and various clinics. Tarulli has performed in various cities and countries – LA, Paris, Umbria (Italy), London, Nashville, New York and all around the East Coast.
Scott has released three albums under his own name: “Transitions” (2002) and “September in Boston: Live” (2004) and “Anytime, Anywhere” (2012) and has a lengthy discography as a sideman.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The music business can be a rewarding one, but also a tough one. I think working really hard and not getting some big gigs, and now with the business struggling, it’s almost impossible to sell an album. The Criteria has changed for what “most people” like, so it’s more difficult to be a unique and original musician. I’ve faced a lot of this stuff. It’s hard to stay focused on what you want to accomplish, but also realize you have to do a certain thing to earn money in the field.
There sure have been some big ups and downs.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Scott Tarulli – what should we know?
I’m a Guitarist, songwriter, Clinician, producer. I put out my own albums, but also get hired to perform, tour and record for other artists. I’ve been at it now for about 28 years.
My proud moments were being asked to play for The Temptations, performing with Steve Gadd, Tony Levin, Jerry Marotta, Ira Coleman and other lifetime heroes.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Early on, it was records I bought (Usually by mowing peoples lawns to afford the records). The music was healing to me since I was a kid. But, the music helped inspire me to want to play music. Early on, players like Buck Dharma (Blue Oyster Cult).
My Parents were motivating. They let me do what I wanted, but did encourage me to consider what I would do if I couldn’t make a living at music. I took the advice and studied other things in college as well. Namely Communications. Fortunately, I never needed to rely on that stuff for employment. Just music! But the other stuff sure came in handy as a musician!
My main mentors early on were Boston area people like Bruce Bartlett and also Charlie Banacos. I studied with these musicians for years!
Pricing:
- I do offer private lessons – Currently $50 a half hour
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ScottTarulli.com
- Email: ScottTarulli@Gmail.com
- Instagram: Scott_Tarulli
Image Credit:
Nadia Delemeny
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