A Versatile Guitarist with a Passion for Jazz

Sam has been playing guitar and studying music for over 15 years. He first picked up the instrument inspired by pop punk bands, but he started playing guitar in the middle school jazz band at the same time, planting the seeds of interest in the genre. While his musical journey has included playing punk, metal, funk, pop, reggae, and more in various bands throughout the years, jazz has been a consistent thread that eventually became his passion and focus.

Sam attended Temple University in Philadelphia, obtaining a degree in Civil Engineering while also attending the Boyer College of Music. He studied jazz guitar, performance, and theory with Philadelphia jazz musicians such as Mike Boone, Greg Kettinger, and Tim Warfield. He has continued his deep study of the jazz idiom, inspired by greats such as Adam Rogers, McCoy Tyner, Michael Brecker, and more.

Now residing in New York City, Sam is actively involved in the jazz scene. He is available for private lessons offered for all experience levels and styles. Topics of study can include fundamentals of guitar and music theory, as well as advanced guitar technique, music theory, and jazz repertoire.

Sam also offers jazz solo transcriptions and etudes developed through his personal study of the instrument, which can be used to develop vocabulary and technique.