10 years teaching experience. Teaching all levels and ages in Glasgow or online!

Find out more about Sam

• 1) When did you first develop a passion for music and your favourite instrument?

  I am a firm believer in nurture over nature when it comes to musical ability. There are several studies to suggest that in-utero babies can develop musical ability and familiarity before they are even born! So, I think this is where I developed a passion for music. My Mother is a piano teacher so for 9 months I listened to her teach for several hours each day. When I was born I was already supplied with a familiarity for music. I think I have been obsessed with it since before I can remember. I picked up the guitar, my favourite instrument, when I was around five years old. I remember trying to play my late Father's guitar and at that time it dwarfed my entire body. Thankfully, I had the tenacity to stick at it. Guitar and music, I have never known anything else.

• 2) Is there a particular type of music or artist that you listen to on a loop without it driving you crazy?

  I grew up listening to a whole range of music. Through overhearing my Mother's piano lessons I was exposed to Chopin, Bach, and Debussy. With my Father we listened to The Clash, Joy Division, Lou Reed, and David Bowie. The later being someone I don't think I will ever become tired of hearing. Bowie spans genre and literal decades so there is always something to accompany any mood or occasion. My favourite album of his would have to be Scary Monsters (1980).

• 3) Explain to us the most difficult or riveting course you could personally give to a student of music.

  One musical concept I love is the use of spread triads. Especially on guitar as they are often overlooked. I wrote a piece in late 2022 called Triad Study which is a vehicle for students to become accustomed to spread triads. I have never taught a pupil who has been been able to accomplish it at speed…

• 4) What do you think is the most complicated instrument to master and why?

  There are of course some very peculiar and niche instruments that are almost by definition difficult to master. The glass harmonica would be a good example of this. Though, refining my choice to more common instruments, I would say the violin must be one of the trickiest. I think the violin is the hardest instrument to learn as there is so much involved in just holding the instrument. Let alone trying to finger the right notes with no frets, and bowing at the right angle. It makes the guitar look like a toy. So, to get over the hurdle of the initial mechanics would be a triumph in itself. But to master it, I can't begin to imagine the fortitude required.

• 5) What are your keys to success?

  Practice, every day, well.
  
  Almost self explanatory, you must practice. And most importantly you must enjoy playing. But that practice must have frequency and consistency. Lastly, you need to know how to practice effectively. That's where I can help!

• 6) Name three musicians you dream of meeting in your favourite bar in the early hours of the morning. Explain why.

  John, Paul, and George. To witness any creativity from these three would be a spectacle to behold. And, who cares about Ringo?

• 7) Provide a valuable anecdote related to music or your days at music school.

  When I was at University studying music, a friend of mine said that one way of giving oneself the best chance of absorbing tuition was to 'leave your ego at the door'. Your ego tries to protect you. It can make you pretend that you understand information that you actually find confusing. Or makes you lie about how much you practiced that week. But if you are honest about your ability you will gain far more knowledge from a lesson than if you were to allow your ego to protect you.
  
  This simple skill has helped myself and may of my pupils.

• 8) What are the little touches that make you a Superprof in music?

  I try to go above and beyond what is expected of a teacher. I tailor every lesson to each pupil and prepare music in advance to suit one's needs. I even offer to setup my pupil's guitars to ensure that nothing will impede their learning. I am friendly and disarming. And most importantly, I am invested in your musical journey.