Sam S
Instruments: Trumpet, Music
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk, Country, R&B, Gospel, Musical Theater, Opera, Latin, Funk, Hip Hop, Electronic, Flamenco, Salsa, Showtunes, Spirituals, Reggae, Merengue, Latin Jazz, Swing, New Age, Samba, Bossa Nova, Soul, Marching Band, Punk, Mariachi, Avant-garde
Sam S
Instruments: Trumpet, Music
Styles:
Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk, Country, R&B, Gospel, Musical Theater, Opera, Latin, Funk, Hip Hop, Electronic, Flamenco, Salsa, Showtunes, Spirituals, Reggae, Merengue, Latin Jazz, Swing, New Age, Samba, Bossa Nova, Soul, Marching Band, Punk, Mariachi, Avant-garde
Where I Teach:
Ages Taught: 10-80
2018 - Semi-finalist in Boise Philharmonic Assistant Principal Trumpet Audition
2018- 2nd Trumpet, Hudson Valley Philharmonic
2018- Soloist w/ Hudson Valley Philharmonic, 'Handel's Messiah'
2016- Substitute Trumpet, Houston Ballet Orchestra
2015- Substitute Trumpet, Midland-Odessa Symphony Orchestra
Originally from Houston, TX, I began my music studies in 2010 and graduated from Sam Houston State University with my Bachelor's degree in Music Education. I went to earn a Master's degree in Music Performance from the University of Houston in 2017.
I recently moved to New York City after being accepted into the Manhattan School of Music's Professional Studies program for classical trumpet. In October of 2018, I won the 2nd trumpet position with the Hudson Valley Philharmonic Orchestra and have performed as principal trumpet and soloist with the orchestra.
Since 2014, I have maintained a large studio of trumpet students ranging from 30-50 students per week. Many of my former students have gone on to all-state and all-area competitions, as well successfully auditioning into various college music programs. I believe the key to success for brass playing is fundamentals. Without a solid foundation on your instrument, it is incredibly difficult to further your progress. However, I also believe that music should be FUN! We often forget this with strict practice routines, but enjoying what you do is just as important as anything!
I provide each student with an individualized lesson curriculum. Students are given assignments each week and instructed to return the following week with their assignment prepared, such as scales, arpeggios, etudes, and various other fundamental exercises. As I said, we will also play plenty of FUN music along the way, and I will give each student a chance to learn the kinds of music that they like best! I am open to students of all ages, so let's get started today!!
For beginner students, I focus heavily on fundamentals consisting of breathing, mouthpiece buzzing, long tones, slurring/tonguing exercises, and scales. I will require each student to learn at least 1 new scale each week once we've established our individualized curriculum.
For more intermediate/advanced students, fundamentals are still a must, but we will also begin more challenging repertoire such a solos, etudes, orchestral excerpts, and various other advanced studies depending on the student's level. However, don't let this intimidate you! I always strive to make lessons as fun and positive as possible!
I strongly believe in positive reinforcement for all students, especially younger players. It can be hard for people to understand, but progress on brass instruments can be very slow in the beginning which is why DAILY PRACTICE IS A MUST! The facial muscles need plenty of time to develop, so "keeping on the horn the face" is so important. No two students are alike, and everyone learns at his/her own pace. I try to move progress along quickly, yet gently, by setting weekly/monthly goals and having each student perform at the end of a given period (usually after 6-12 months).
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