Scott Fraser – composer, co-founder of acclaimed music group Space Opera, and popular guitar instructor – died September 19, 2006 after a long illness.

Graveside service: 11:00 AM Saturday, Rose Hill Cemetery, 7301 East Lancaster. Pastor David Grassley officiating.

Memorial Service: 4:00 PM Saturday, William E. Scott Theater, 3505 West Lancaster.

Memorials: Should friends desire, donations may be made in Scott’s name to their favorite charity.

Scott was born December 11, 1949 in Schenectady, NY. His mother Virginia, a professional musician, taught him piano at an early age. He first won recognition in ninth grade as drummer and arranger for The Mods. Their recording “It’s for You” was a top-requested radio favorite in 1964. In 1967 he helped form nationally-known Whistler, Chaucer, Detroit & Greenhill, produced by Grammy winner T-Bone Burnett. (Their album is mentioned in an episode of TV’s “Gilmore Girls”, and is included in the respected Mojo Magazine's Collection book as one of the most important albums in American popular music.) In 1969 Scott joined David Bullock, Phil White, and Brett Wilson to form Space Opera. The group recorded for CBS and Columbia/Epic Records. They toured nationwide, appearing with other major musicians including The Byrds, Mamas & Papas, Jefferson Airplane, Kris Kristofferson, and many others. Another respected Fort Worth musician, Stephen Bruton, called Scott “the first virtuosic rock guitarist I knew.” Scott composed “The Angelic” for chamber orchestra competition, “Angelic Suite” for New York’s Falco Dance Company, and “The Mystery of St. Anthony” for symphony orchestras. Since his illness, fans and former students have sent messages to his web site, www.frasermusic.com, including these: “Thank you for your constant inspiration. Heroes leave their mark like that.” “Scott will always live in the hearts of everyone he came in contact with.” “You are certainly the single greatest composer and musician I have had the good fortune to know.” Survivors: Wife Mary; daughter Maggie; sister Patricia Fraser; mother-in-law Marjorie Sewell; brothers-in-law and sister-in-law John and Mary Rhoads and Mike Rhoads; niece Katherine Bryant; nephews Alexander Bryant and John Rhoads; cousins Rix Quinn, Eric Roberson, and Tim Roberson.