Then
A lifelong WNC resident, Sam moved from Brevard to Asheville to attend UNCA in 2009 after a childhood and adolescence spent surrounded by— and later dedicated to— music. Graduating in 2013 with a double in jazz studies and philosophy, he has sought to perform and teach as much as possible ever since.
Sam performs his composition “Yyyup” in college (2011) (w/with Erica Schinasi and Will Beasley — Photo credit: Frank Zipperer)
After college, Sam gained valuable experience teaching for local nonprofits (like Asheville Music School and LEAF International’s Schools & Streets program), performing with regional music management companies and building synthesizers in a world-renowned electronic instrument manufacturer.
Sam happily building and boxing effects pedals at work in the Moog Music synthesizer factory (2015).
Sam delivers a lecture about the “minifooger” effect pedals (that he used to build & box— see pic to the left) at a LEAF festival. (2018).
Irvin Music Studio launched in 2018 as a hub for Sam’s musical endeavors, personal, professional and collaborative! Sam’s home studio serves as the home base for lessons, rehearsals and recording projects. A weekly livestream is broadcast every Wednesdays evening. Sam’s practice routine, composition/arrangement work and audio/video editing takes place here. It is equipped with a large collection of synthesizers from Sam’s time at Moog along with plenty of other necessary gear for recording: first class monitors, interfaces, cameras, mics, effects, mixers… and plenty of instruments.
Now
This small company only represents projects that Sam is directly involved in so that he can ensure the highest standard of quality for each project, clients are sure to be taken care of every step of the way and the business consists of work that is worth being passionate about! Sam spends every day immersed in music: practicing, studying, teaching, performing, creating, composing…
It is a sincere hope that this care put into the craft translates to a deeper enjoyment for clients, students and audiences. It’s a privilege to make a career out of a passion and it is even more fulfilling to share music with the community in meaningful ways.
Primarily a nylon-string classical guitarist, Sam not only plays other styles of guitar (jazz, rock, +) and other instruments (trumpet, synthesizer, drum set, +) but collaborates with a wide variety of players as well (violinists, cellists, drummers, other guitarists, saxophonists, pianists, synthesists, other producers…). Being a musician involves a never-ending striving to be better; it’s forever a work-in-progress.
“Sam is the complete package - talented, professional, personable.”
Learn EVEN more about Sam by exploring books he has read, philosophers he has studied and some art he has created:
