Sam Saunders

Introduction: I have been studying classical piano for close to 15 years, and have had a successful career as a concert pianist. I have played many solo recitals, concerti with orchestras, and a wide variety of chamber music as well as popular and jazz tunes. I am the founder of an organization (sevenmilemusic.org) which provides free music lessons to 200 children six days a week in Detroit's lowest income neighborhood. Through this, I have written and experimented with dozens of curriculums, method books, and strategies to learn the best ways to keep children engaged and learning. I have five years of teaching experience through this organization, and have also spent considerable time teaching private lessons to students. I have a degree in piano performance and composition from the University of Michigan, and did post-grad studies at the Peabody Conservatory of Johns Hopkins University. Playing and writing music is an absolutely integral part of my life. It has provided immense joy, honed discipline and work ethic, and is an amazing outlet for my emotions and thoughts. I believe that every child should have the opportunity to share a similar passion for music - but are too often scared off by rote technique and passionless teaching methods. I enjoy teaching music because it allows me to instill a love of music into students, while guiding them on a path of bettering their musicality as well as non-musical aspects of their lives.