Sam began studying piano in fourth grade after after hearing his Father and Grandmother playing Chopin, and studied piano throughout high school. After graduating high school, Sam decided to take a detour from Piano, and spent years playing guitar and singing in various indie rock and cover bands in his native city of Portland Oregon. It was at this time that Sam taught his first lessons, and realized that teaching was a passion. Eventually, Sam returned to more serious Piano study, and is currently finishing a degree in Piano Performance at University of Portland, studying with Susan McDaniel and Joe Bagg. Sam has a strong foundation in Classical but has also studied Jazz, and has experience performing in both solo and group settings in both styles. Sam remains a dedicated student as well as teacher, and constantly working to refine and improve the methods he uses to teach both students and himself. In lessons, Sam works to help students build the skills and tool kit that best allows them to explore the elements of music that excite them the most.
