Violin Teacher
Samantha A.

Samantha, a Houston native, is a graduate of Florida State University where she earned her Masters in violin performance under the tutelage of Dr. Shannon Thomas. She enjoys performing and loves to teach both classical and mariachi music. Samantha has volunteered her time performing in various chamber ensembles for outreach programs and mentoring young musicians. Among these programs are the Virtuosi of Houston Chamber Youth Orchestra and the Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza with the Grammy-award winning Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán in San Antonio, Texas. Samantha has also had the opportunity to perform for the Latin Grammys, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Mariachi Competition, and has accompanied many Latin artists such as Amanda Miguel, Jorge Celedón, Diego Verdaguer, and Yolanda del Río.  

Samantha completed her Bachelor’s in violin performance at the Moores School of Music, University of Houston under Andrzej Grabiec, former concertmaster of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra. During her undergrad, Samantha received numerous scholarships including the Clara Freshour Nelson Music Scholarship, the Winifred and Maurice Hirsch Memorial Scholarship, and the Richard Y. Grant Music Scholarship. Samantha has attended summer festivals such as the Interharmony International Music Festival in Arcidosso, Italy where she played for world-renowned violinist Vadim Repin. In addition, Samantha was an orchestra fellow for two years at the Immanuel & Helen Olshan Texas Music Festival, Orchestral Institute where she was awarded full scholarship by the Helen Olshan Fellowship award.

Throughout her collegiate career, Samantha has had the privilege of performing in master classes with Frank Huang, the Sphinx Virtuosi Quartet, the Ariana String Quartet, Simon James, Dr. Kirsten Yon, Christopher Neal, and Dr. Joel Lester.  Samantha has also performed for multiple professional orchestras including Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra, Panama City Pops, and currently holds a section position in the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra. 

Samantha strives to continue growing as a musician and hopes to further her education and performance career.

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