Sam has a Bachelor's of Music with distinction from the University of Victoria and a Master's of Music - Orchestral Artistry from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, UK. He began his studies in Calgary with Laurie Matiation at the Mount Royal Conservatory and continued with Kurt Kellan the University of Victoria. In London, Sam studied with David Pyatt, Alec Frank-Gemmill, Sue Dent, and Nico Fleury.
Grateful for the opportunity to return to Victoria, Sam is passionate about making and teaching music. Sam joined the Victoria Symphony as 3rd horn in 2022 and that fall started teaching at the University of Victoria. Prior to Victoria, Sam lived in the Okanagan Valley where he played principal horn with the Kamloops and Okanagan Symphony, positions he is grateful to be maintaining for the 2022-23 season, albeit with a bit more travelling. Additionally, Sam teaches at the Victoria Conservatory of Music both privately and with the Camosun College's post-secondary program. Since 2019, Sam has taught at the Penticton Academy of Music and continues to do so online, from Victoria. Primarily an orchestral player, Sam also gives regular chamber and solo recitals.
Teaching Philosophy
I am passionate about the horn and exploring the many ways in which it can be played and taught. While understanding that there is no one-size-fits-all approach, I am convinced that anyone, given the right tools, can find success. Determining those tools and the goals of my students is central to the way that I teach. I aim to help students uncover the music behind the notes on the page to give authentic and stirring performances. Though learning and improving skills specific to horn playing is an obvious goal, it is my hope that my students also join me in exploring what it means to be a storyteller, communicator, and educator.
