Sam Johnson Music And Lessons

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About Sam’s Lessons

Sam Johnson is a patient and caring instructor with over 20 years of performing and teaching experience and is always trying to find better ways to motivate and encourage his students to continue improving their musical skills and musical enjoyment! Many of his students have earned the 1st or 2nd chair in their school orchestra as well as SDYS and CYO.

Lessons are catered toward each student’s interests and goals. While making sure that every student learns the core knowledge required for their instrument and general music, Sam guides his students toward learning their favorite songs and styles. Every lesson is different because every student is different even though the core material is the same.

He has a Bachelor's of Music in Jazz and Studio Music from the University of Miami. In addition to his teaching career, Sam works with many professional bands in San Diego; performing many styles of music including Jazz, Rock, Blues, Pop, Flamenco, and Classical. He is highly sought after as a freelance bass player, working with 5 - 10 musical groups at any given time, sometimes traveling for performances throughout the U.S. and Mexico.

Currently Sam is teaching at Del Norte and Rancho Bernardo High Schools as the Orchestral Bass Coach. He Teaches Electric Bass, Upright Bass, Guitar, Piano, and Music Theory and Composition. He is a member of the Music Teachers' Association of California and has been a member of the San Diego Chapter of the Musician's Union.

Yes! Sam teaches and plays 4 different instruments. Here’s how:

• Piano - Sam started piano lessons when he was 8 years old and never stopped playing. He passed all of his piano proficiency tests in college with ease and continues to play for arranging, composing and teaching.

• Electric Bass - Sam started playing electric bass when he accidently showed up for Jazz band in Junior High and the teacher asked him to join the band! He continued to play in jazz band through high school and chose Electric Bass for his major at the University of Miami. Still his most adept instrument, he performs and teaches regularly.

• Upright Bass - This one was a late bloomer, he didn’t start really playing until after graduating college and moving the San Diego. Having had a few classes and lessons during college, he had a pretty good idea how to get started and bought a bass from a friend in SD. After developing his jazz skills on the instrument for a couple years it was time to learn the bow. He contacted several teachers and settled with Joe McNally, the artistic director of the Hutchins Consort and a 1st call classical bassist in San Diego. He studied with Joe for 6 years, developing his classical skils. Upright Bass has become his preferred instrument to play and teach.

• Guitar - Sam has been playing and teaching guitar since he learned to play electric bass. The similarities to electric bass have made it an easy addition to his musical skills.

Because of his extensive studies on multiple instruments, Sam has developed an ability to teach any player no matter what age or level they are on their instrument. His passion and compassion make him an easy going and caring teacher that will find the best way for you to achieve your goals!

His teaching credits include:

1. SDUSD 2001 - 2004, Jazz Band Coach, Upright Bass Coach, Substitute Teacher

   • Hoover HS

   • Madison HS

   • Mira Mesa HS

   • Scripps Ranch HS

2. PUSD 2004 - current, Upright Bass Coach

   • Poway HS

   • Westview HS

   • Mt Carmel HS

   • Black Mountain MS

   • Oak Valley MS (current)

   • Del Norte HS (current)

   • Rancho Bernardo HS (current)

3. Bertrands Music 2003 - 2020, Private Lessons

   • Upright Bass

   • Electric Bass

   • Piano

   • Guitar

4. Center CIty Music 2001 - 2003, Private Lessons

   • Electric Bass