My name is Scott Dean. I teach lessons for Conga, Bongo, and Timbale. Together we will focus on proper technique, understanding clave, and building a diverse repertoire of rhythms.

I answered the call of the drum In the late 80s and began studying with the local West African, Haitian, and Afro Cuban drum and dance troupes. I quickly fell in love with Afro Cuban popular and folkloric music and have become a lifelong student.

Although my passion is a niche in Vermont, I’ve been privileged to be included in many musical settings across a variety of genres both on stage and in the studio. Most notably: Arturo O'Farill and Jazzismo, The First Unitarian Universalist Society of Burlington, The Burlington Chamber Orchestra, The UVM Latin Jazz Ensemble, The Flynn Center’s Latin Jazz Intensive, and with many local bands. Also, I, along with with some of the area's greatest musical human beings, created Afinque, a 14-piece Classic Salsa band (active 2010-17).

Currently, I perform locally as conguero for my mentor in Latin jazz (and my primary gig) The Ray Vega Band, and as timbalero for the “psycho-tropical” Latin fusion group, Guagua.