Sam Irvin IV

Sam Irvin has been studying music and playing guitar since he was 7, trumpet since age 11. What began by learning ‘Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star,’ developed into a hardened investigation of the fundamentals of music. Moving from his hometown of Brevard, he has been in Asheville since 2009 when he relocated to attend UNCA. After graduating with a double in Jazz Studies and Philosophy, he began teaching at Asheville Music School. Sam enjoys exploring a variety of musical styles, venturing into classical guitar and rocking trumpet in a soul band for instance, and endeavors to further the many horizons of his knowledge and experience through everyday practice. In addition to his lessons at the music school, he currently works at Moog, the electronic instrument manufacturer known especially for it’s theremins and synthesizers, and with LEAF, an international nonprofit, where he co-directs the Delta House Jazz Band. Sam also likes to read Sci-Fi and the classics and finds vast entertainment in improv comedy.

Lessons

Sam employs a holistic approach to teaching, using both traditional and non-traditional methods that honor the individual interests of each budding musician while also incorporating core musical essentials. Being interested in a cross-disciplined approach to any study, nuggets of Physics, Biology, History and Sociology (etc.) in connection with music may be included as spice. Appropriating the lessons to specific goals that are both particular to that student’s immediate interests but are also widely applicable, students are encouraged to diversify their skill-base. Learners will receive instruction geared towards gaining familiarity with handling the instrument and understanding basic music theory such as reading sheet music and using scales for improvisation. They will receive training regarding the best ways to achieve the focus necessary to boost the efficiency and efficacy of practice time and will be pushed to develop their own repertoire to build a base of songs to perform. More advanced techniques such as finger-style chord-melody guitar and various articulation styles for trumpet are provided as the student progresses and at the student’s request.