Sam graduated from the University of Miami in 1999 with a bachelor's Degree in Jazz and Studio Music on Electric Bass. While bass was not his first instrument, it became his favorite. His first musical experiences were singing in the church choir with his mother, then at the age of 8 he start Piano lessons. ...In 5th grade Sam joined the school band on Clarinet and by High School was playing 1st chair.

In 7th grade he showed up to Jazz Band one day by accident and has been playing bass ever since. Through his years in Junior High and High School he has had a fascination for learning instruments and when the opportunity came up he tried nearly all of them: Bass, Clarinet, Guitar, Trombone, Baritone, Trumpet, Aux Percussion, Soprano Sax, and Tuba to name a few. With over 30 years of musical experience, he is a very well rounded musician.

After working cruise ships around the world and living and working in Miami, Sam decided to move to San Diego in May of 2000. Opportunities arose that allowed him to purchase an upright bass and while over the years he was forced to study "the bear", he was never able to "tame it". Now that he has one of his own it was time and he started studying with world renowned bass player, Joe McNalley, where he developed both his jazz and classical skills on the instrument (and he is still "Taming the Bear" with great success!).