Faculty Profile

Sam Sharp
NMS Violin Faculty
Suzuki Certified

As a Suzuki-trained violinist and a registered Suzuki Book 1 teacher, Sam firmly believes in the power and effectiveness of the Suzuki method. Dr. Suzuki's belief in universal musical ability and his emphasis on immersion and ear training are integral parts of Sam's teaching philosophy. Additionally, following a tendinosis injury in 2009, he has dedicated himself to teaching and to understanding the violinist's body. As a nearly certified yoga instructor, Sam brings a wealth of somatic knowledge to bear in his violin instruction. Sam's students can expect to engage in active and aware ear training and kinesthetic training, resulting in highly personalized, effective learning. He specializes in helping aspiring and trained musicians understand how movement and coordination can be improved to better suit our playing needs.

Sam received his Bachelor of Music from Oberlin Conservatory in 2006 and his Master of Music from Indiana University Jacobs School of Music in 2007. From years as an orchestral and chamber musician, he has extensive performance experience, including (since he grew up in Chicago) playing in the Protege Philharmonic and the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra. He has been a member of the Civic Orchestra and the Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra. Sam's festival experience includes the National Orchestral Institute, the New York University String Quartet Workshop, the Round Top Orchestra Festival, and most recently the Banff Chamber Music Residency in Banff, Alberta. As a violinist in a string quintet at National Orchestral Institute, his performance was praised by the Washington Post for its "precision, passion, and character." His principal violin teachers include Tom Wermuth of the Western Springs School of Talent Education, Gregory Fulkerson, Koichiro Harada, and Federico Agostini. He completed his Suzuki teacher training under the guidance of Edward Kreitman.