Hi there! I'm Sam. I'm a self proclaimed beach bum and foodie when I'm not singing. I love teaching people. It brings me so much joy to see the progress in my students. The whole process of finding creative ways to teach different people is rewarding. Originally from the California Bay Area, I got my start in the classical music world with Opera San Jose in 2008. During my undergrad, I studied with the late, world renowned soprano, Kristine Ciesinski, who had a rich background in vocal pedagogy stemming from William Vennard. I went on to one of the most prestigious voice programs in the world for my masters degree at the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University. In 2018, I made my professional soloist debut with the Hawaii Opera Theatre. In 2019, I moved to New York City, performed at Carnegie Hall as a soloist, and in the chorus with the New York Philharmonic. I have experience singing classical, opera, jazz, musical theater, pop, rock, and R&B. So, whatever your cup of tea is, I am happy to help you learn to sing healthily and in a way that helps you connect to your human experience.
Teaches all skill levels
Teaching since 2014
Master of Music Voice Performance
Teaches ages 11+
Has background check
Hi there! I'm Sam. I'm a self proclaimed beach bum and foodie when I'm not singing. I love teaching people. It brings me so much joy to see the progress in my students. The whole process of finding creative ways to teach different people is rewarding. Originally from the California Bay Area, I got my start in the classical music world with Opera San Jose in 2008. During my undergrad, I studied with the late, world renowned soprano, Kristine Ciesinski, who had a rich background in vocal pedagogy stemming from William Vennard. I went on to one of the most prestigious voice programs in the world for my masters degree at the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University. In 2018, I made my professional soloist debut with the Hawaii Opera Theatre. In 2019, I moved to New York City, performed at Carnegie Hall as a soloist, and in the chorus with the New York Philharmonic. I have experience singing classical, opera, jazz, musical theater, pop, rock, and R&B. So, whatever your cup of tea is, I am happy to help you learn to sing healthily and in a way that helps you connect to your human experience.
Teaches all skill levels
Teaching since 2014
Master of Music Voice Performance
Teaches ages 11+
Has background check
I'v been casually singing my whole life long and I recently decided to try to do it right. I've been taking remote lessons with Sam for a few months now and it's been truly helpful. Many of the concepts are very new to me, but Sam has done a great job explaining things, sometimes from a few different perspectives, and I can feel things slipping into place. Singing concepts that have eluded me are finally starting to make sense. For example a few weeks back at rehearsal with the trio (I sing and play bass) I noticed myself using my diaphragm to support my singing in ways I'd never been able to before. Before lessons with Sam I've never been able to understand the various singing voices everyone talks about (head voice, chest voice, etc.). However just last week in lessons I was able to not only identify my bad habit of singing nasally, but I'm finally making progress on correcting it! Sam's approach to explaining concepts has worked well for me, I'd recommend him to anyone who wants an involved teacher who patiently works with you to find your best voice!