“Sam has a plethora of skills that set him apart. As well as being an excellent singer with superb technique, he is a competent and sensitive accompanist. He has extensive physiological knowledge of the vocal apparatus and a strong technical grounding. Singers can relax in the knowledge that their voices will be well taken care of by Sam.

Each year, Sam and I work together to produce a concert for our students. Sam is sensitive to their needs and provides exactly the right amount of individual support for each singer. He is organised and keeps to schedule. Sam accompanies each singer for this event,  switching between styles and genres seamlessly. Again, providing them with bespoke support from the piano. I don’t know what I would do without him!”

Sarah Louise Poole

Singing Teacher & Opera Singer

“I graduated in Musical Theatre 8 years ago and had become very rusty since then, both in terms of technical ability and confidence levels. After being cast as a lead role in an amateur musical production of Bonnie and Clyde, I worked with Sam both in his capacity as a Musical Director and a Singing Teacher and the work he did with me was completely transformative – he coached me back to full confidence and a vocal ability I didn’t know I had within me. I enjoyed the show so much – my family said it’s the best they’ve ever heard me sing, and full credit goes to Sam. Sam has exceptional knowledge on vocal technique and creates a really safe and enjoyable teaching environment. I wholeheartedly recommend working with him.”

Becca Stimson

Student

I first met Sam approximately eight months ago, having been given his details on recommendation. Sam is very friendly , enthusiastic and easy to work with. He listens carefully to requests made, and is very amenable.

Sam has worked with our choir now on several occasions as cover choral director. During the sessions, as a trained vocalist, Sam is happy to share tips on vocal technique and has a range of warm up exercises to hand, which the members seem to enjoy.

Sam is very accommodating, easy to get on with and communicates very well. He is happy for me to send an outline of what I would like included in the rehearsal and he then maps out the session from there. After the session, Sam reports back in detail, which then helps with my future planning.

Sam has a wonderful voice, is extremely passionate about singing and choral work and takes great interest in the work our choir are doing. He brings a great energy to rehearsals.

Ann Churcher

Musical Director of Trinity Singers

“I worked with Sam for the first time during our work together in Elstree Productions’ Bonnie and Clyde. I worked as a drummer in the pit band with Sam who was conducting us. I came in as a late replacement and Sam was incredibly helpful in getting me up to speed with the rest of the pit. He managed to oversee the band in such a motivational way that it would have been impossible to not enjoy working with him. His oversight in running the shows was integral to the overall performance and Sam did an incredible job of keeping all cast and band in sync and balance with each other. Sam effortlessly controlled the score and made it impeccably easy to follow. It would be my pleasure to work alongside him again.” 

Tasha Fish

Actor and Musician

“It was a joy to be able to watch Sam conducting his band – he conducted with such passion and preciseness. The small band of 6 players made a wonderful sound, which sounded like more players. He had obviously worked hard with the cast to get the best from them.  

Iain Fowles

NODA Representative

“Sam has been a real asset to the school. I have found him to be invaluable both in rehearsals and performances at the school. He has a huge skill and knowledge base and has always been so willing to share this with others and help students who might be struggling vocally, warming them up and also arranging/working on harmonies.

He was the Assistant Musical Director and Vocal Arranger for Joseph and his Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat this year and attended my rehearsals (director/choreographer) and accompanied the performers and lead vocal rehearsals ensuring a hugely successful show.

However, what really highlighted his talent and particularly impressed me was his adaptability during three separate showcases at school where I was chopping up the order of songs as well as shortening them and then, due to absence, cutting songs. He followed it all, picking up each shift immediately, demonstrating outstanding sight reading skills and such a calm demeanour. I was amazed at how quickly he could pick up changes whilst ensuring that each song worked into the next.

During performances the performers were following his lead and on the few occasions where, due to changes, performers may have gone slightly awry he was able to follow them and bring them back without the audience noticing a thing. A fantastic accompanist!”