Scott Johnson graduated from Western Illinois University with a B.A. in Music Theory/Composition in 1992, and immediately began teaching percussion lessons, writing music, and playing in bands.  His compositions, in most cases, have been written for a performing group in which he was a member, or for classes in which he was the teacher.  Commissions from the dance department at W.I.U. as well as encouragement from teachers such as Bret Kuhn and Dr. Richard Cheadle, helped Scott choose his path. 

The Pantastic 4 is Scott’s current focus for composing and performing; a steel pan combo with three percussionists that rotate between pan, marimba, and drum set, supported by a guitarist and bassist.  This group performs Scott’s compositions and has recently recorded a full length cd titled “Lornabarret”.  

In addition to his artistic endeavors, Scott also owns Upbeat Music, a music lesson studio in Chicago that offers private lessons for piano, strings, guitar, percussion, and band instruments.  This has also lead to developing pedagogical concepts that have been incorporated in his compositions.