Wellington
Percussion Lessons | Ensemble Coaching, Online Lessons
Bio
Sam joined the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra as Sub-Principal Percussionist at the end of 2019. Originally from Auckland, he is now based in Central Wellington.
He began his musical studies at the age of six on drum kit and percussion and went on to receive a Bachelor of Music from The University of Auckland where he studied with Eric Renick, and a further Bachelor of Music with Honours at Victoria University of Wellington with Laurence Reese and Leonard Sakofsky. During this time he was awarded first place at the 2014 Melbourne Snare Award, performed as a soloist with the Auckland Philharmonia, and was a fellow at the Music Academy of the West summer festival (USA).
In 2017, Sam was awarded the prestigious Kiwi Music and Patricia Pratt Scholarships to study at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music under the guidance of Jacob Nissly, where he graduated with a Masters of Music with 1st Class Honours.
He has performed with a variety of ensembles including the San Francisco Symphony, Auckland Philharmonia, Stroma New Music Ensemble, and Orchestra Wellington, of which he formerly held the Principal Timpani position. Sam has also performed as a snare drummer in pipe bands which was his initial inspiration for learning percussion.
Teaching Info
Whether you’re a complete beginner or performing with your local orchestra/brass band/wind band and want to sharpen your technique I’d love to help you hone your skills and find local performing opportunities.
Along with general technique training, we can work through the Trinity/ABRSM instrumental grades and above, or simply focus on nailing those tricky pieces you might be working on.
Percussion is an extremely versatile family of instruments and can be in every genre of music. There are many groups in New Zealand looking for players, so with a little guidance lots of opportunities (whether just for fun, or more serious/professional playing) may become available to you.
For best results you’ll want to look into buying or hiring an adequate practice instrument(s) for home practice just like any other instrument. Worried about noise or space at home? There are many low sound and space efficient instrument options for at home that I’m happy to recommend.
Not in Wellington? Online lessons are also a possibility, or I may be in a city near you while on tour with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra throughout the year.