About

Scott Napier is an acclaimed bluegrass musician, songwriter, educator, and program developer whose career has spanned more than three decades. A native of southeastern Kentucky, Scott began his professional career in 1996 as mandolinist for bluegrass legend Larry Sparks and the Lonesome Ramblers, a position he held for ten years. During that time, he toured extensively throughout the United States and internationally, including performances in Japan, appearances on the Grand Ole Opry, a taping of A Prairie Home Companion, the Alison Krauss and Friends television special, and numerous recording projects.

Throughout his career, Scott has performed and recorded with some of bluegrass music’s most respected artists, including Dale Ann Bradley, Marty Raybon, Bobby Osborne, Don Rigsby, Michael Cleveland, and The Lost and Found. He released his critically acclaimed solo album All Out Front in 2010, featuring ten original compositions and guest appearances from many of the genre’s top musicians. His work as both a performer and songwriter has earned him widespread respect throughout the bluegrass community.

Equally recognized for his dedication to music education, Scott spent nearly a decade teaching at the Kentucky School of Bluegrass and Traditional Music before being selected to develop and lead the Capital Bluegrass & Traditional Music Program at Owensboro Community & Technical College. As Program Coordinator and Associate Professor, he oversees curriculum development, directs student ensembles, mentors aspiring musicians, and works to create new opportunities for students pursuing careers in bluegrass and traditional music. Under his leadership, the program has grown into one of Kentucky’s premier collegiate bluegrass programs, offering students valuable performance, recording, and professional development experiences.

Scott is also the founder of the Bobby Osborne Mandolin Roundup, an annual educational event that brings mandolin students from across the country together to learn from some of bluegrass music’s most accomplished performers and instructors. His commitment to teaching and mentorship earned him nominations for the International Bluegrass Music Association's Mentor of the Year Award in both 2018 and 2020.

Today, Scott remains active as a performer, recording artist, songwriter, clinician, and private instructor while continuing to advocate for the preservation and growth of traditional music. He is endorsed by Gibson Mandolins, Weber Mandolins, GHS Strings, and BlueChip Picks. Scott continues to invest their time and talents in preserving bluegrass music and supporting the next generation of musicians.