About Samantha
Samantha is our talented bowed-strings instructor at Glee, and loves working with violin, viola, and cello students of all ages and levels. She is also currently a strings instructor for the Irvine Unified School District. Samantha’s roots trace back to the vibrant city of Houston, Texas, where she spent her formative years immersed in the rich cultural tapestry of the area. From the earliest days of her childhood, her environment was steeped in the melodies of music, thanks to her mother, a dedicated piano teacher with a deep passion for the art. Growing up in a household where musicality was not just encouraged but celebrated, Samantha’s journey into the world of music began within the comforting and familiar confines of her own home.
Samantha’s qualifications reflect her broad expertise in music education. She is trained in the Suzuki method through Books 1-4, which focus on developing musical skills through a nurturing and systematic approach. Additionally, she holds Kodály Level 1 certification, demonstrating her proficiency in teaching music through rhythmic development. Samantha is also knowledgeable in Music Mind Games Theory, a method that uses interactive, game-based techniques to make learning music theory engaging and effective. These credentials highlight her comprehensive and innovative approach to teaching music. Samantha’s strengths in music lie in her exceptional ability to assess and analyze musical pieces, a skill that greatly enhances her practice and learning process. She excels at breaking down complex compositions to identify key sections and nuances that require focused attention. By meticulously evaluating the structure, technique, and stylistic elements of the music, she can pinpoint specific areas where her practice should be concentrated to achieve optimal results. This analytical approach not only helps her address technical challenges but also ensures that she produces a refined and high-quality sound. Her keen ear and insightful assessments enable her to approach each piece with a clear understanding of its demands, ultimately contributing to her development as a proficient and expressive musician.
Samantha’s musical interests are centered around classical and baroque genres, which she loves for their diverse and intricate compositions. In her free time, she enjoys listening to audiobooks and reading, exploring different hiking trails, and experimenting with recipes from various cultures. She also takes pleasure in playing board games!
