About Me

Sam graduated from the University Of Miami in 1999 with a Bachelor's of Music in Jazz and Studio Music on Electric Bass.  While bass was not his first instrument, it became his favorite.  His first musical experiences were singing in the church choir with his mother.  Then at the age of 8, he started piano lessons.  In 5th grade, Sam joined the school band on Clarinet and by high school he was playing 1st Chair.

In 7th grade, he showed up to Jazz Band one day by accident and has been playing bass ever since.  Through his years in junior high and high school he had a fascination for learning instruments and when the opportunity came up he tried nearly all of them:  Bass Clarinet, Guitar, Trombone, Baritone, Trumpet, Aux Percussion, Soprano Sax, and Tuba to name a few.  Now, with over 30 years of musical experience, he is a very well-rounded musician.

After working cruise ships traveling around the world and a brief stint Miami, Sam decided to move to San Diego in May of 2000.  An opportunity arose that allowed him to purchase an upright bass.  While over the years he was forced to study "the bear", he was never able to "tame it".  Now that he had one of his own it was time.  He started studying with the world-renowned bass player, Joe McNalley, developing both his jazz and classical skills on the instrument (and he is still "Taming the Bear" with great success!).  After 6 years of study with McNalley, Sam began to perform with local classical groups but found his passion was more for Jazz and Contemporary music.

Sam currently performs regularly with a Dave Matthews tribute band, a variety cover band, The Alex DePue Band (world renowned violinist), The Pop Nouveau Jazz Group (modern pop-jazz), The Blood Moon Gypsy Jazz Group (a modern pop gypsy jazz vocal trio), several Flamenco guitarists, a Spanish/South American guitarist, an old school jazz duo, and several local singer–songwriters; he is a freelance bass player, studio artist, band leader, and music production artist.

Sam has been teaching for over 20 years and has been a Bass Coach, Jazz Instructor, and then Assistant Band Director in the San Diego School district starting in 2002.  Currently, he is the bass coach for Rancho Bernardo HS, and Del Norte HS.  He has also worked with several of the middle schools in the Poway district.  His private teaching studio is located at Barefoot Studios in Poway (14168 Poway Rd, Suite 104).  Stop by and say HI!

Sam continues to learn new things; whether he is starting new bands, being asked to play in groups of different styles, or just learning new music software.  He believes it is important to always learn and to be curious about the world around us.