Skip to main content
image of Samara R.

Piano with Samara R.

5.0
(10)
Teaches online
Teaches all skill levels
Age: 8+
Teaching since 2007
Master of Music

    About Samara R.

    5.0
    (10)
    Samara R is a contemporary classical music composer and educator based in Southern California. Textural elements, unusual instrumentation, extended performance techniques, and imagery inspiration combine themselves to form her compositional sound. Samara is currently pursuing a Master of Music degree from the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music at California State University, Long Beach. She graduated cum laude from the University of California, San Diego with a bachelor’s degree in music composition, and was selected to participate in the prestigious honors program, which culminated in a solo honors recital. She was awarded The Steward Prize for an outstanding creative work. Samara studied music composition at UCSD with Dr. Lei Liang, Dr. Chinary Ung, Rand Steiger, and Dr. Philippe Manoury. She studied music composition, music theory, piano performance and pedagogy at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo, CA under the tutelage of Dr. Norman Weston, Pamela Worcester and the late Dr. Rebecca Rollins. At UCSD, Samara also had the opportunity to broaden her musical knowledge with courses complementary to composition. She studied recording, mixing, and mastering techniques in a state-of-the-art studio with Tom Erbe (SoundHack), completed a yearlong series of courses in jazz theory and improvisation with Kamau Kenyatta, took private violin lessons with Batya MacAdam-Somer, and even spent a quarter studying conducting with Dr. Chinary Ung. Samara has sung and performed in numerous choirs throughout Southern California, including The Southern California Children’s Choir, Saddleback College’s Women’s Camerata and Modern Masterworks Choral, UCSD’s Concert Choir and Gospel Choir, and The La Jolla Symphony Chorus. Samara currently runs a private music studio where she teaches piano, violin, voice, and composition lessons. In addition, she is a certified Music Together instructor for music and movement courses so she can introduce infants and toddlers to the joys of music. Samara has participated in various music festivals including UCSD’s Toy Piano Festival organized and hosted by Scott Paulson, UCSD’s undergraduate arts festival ADDO, and The Grand Teton Music Festival. She enjoys sharing her love of music through composing, teaching, and performing. Samara is a member of The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP), The Music Teachers’ National Association (MTNA), and The Music Teachers’ Association of California (MTAC). *** Lesson Details *** Expect lessons to be fun and enjoyable! I want all my students to love music. I use a variety of materials to craft customized lessons based on your interest, skill level, and musical style. Let me know what you want to learn and I can help you achieve that goal! *** Studio Equipment *** Lessons in the living room, piano, supplies, music books, couch, music stand *** Specialties *** I mostly teach in a traditional classical trajectory with emphasis on developing solid technique, musicianship, and theory skills. However, I also encourage students to learn other fun songs such as their favorite Disney and pop songs.

    Instructor details

    Location:
    Teaches Online
    Teaches Online

    Teaching Hours

    Friday
    4:30 PM-5 PM
    Times are shown in your local timezone (UTC-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada)
    Pricing
    30 minutes
    $35
    45 minutes
    $53
    60 minutes
    $70
    ReviewsWrite a review
    5
    100%
    4
    0%
    3
    0%
    2
    0%
    1
    0%
    5.0
    10 Reviews
    Jasmine Mafi
    Student's home
    Samara was great with Jasmine. She felt very comfortable with Samara from the beginning and we look forward to meeting with her for future lessons!
    Posted Aug 31, 2015
    Samara Kohne
    Student's home
    Samara is great with our daughter. She recommends songs that our daughter likes and she asks my daughter to choose songs that she likes. She sings along with her when necessary to help her find the right notes and plays piano beautifully. Our daughter looks forward to the lessons with Samara.
    Posted May 3, 2015
    Melissa S.
    Teacher's studio
    As Samara's colleague at UCSD, I had the privilege of collaborating with her on various musical projects and observing her composition process from start to finish. She's a creative, talented and ambitious musician who is familiar with various musical instruments and techniques. More than that, she is a dedicated educator: she has extensive knowledge of musical pedagogy and is always looking for opportunities for further professional development. I highly recommend her for students of all levels!
    Posted Jan 6, 2015

    Experience

    Music Composer and Educator

    Jun, 2007 - Present

    Self-employed (Miss Samara's Music Studio)

    -Custom piano, violin, voice, composition/songwriting, theory, and combination lessons based on student’s level and interest -Prepare weekly lesson plans including fun supplemental songs and traditional method books -Integrate music theory and music history that relates to student’s pieces

    Associate Stage Manager

    Jun, 2014 - Aug, 2014

    Grand Teton Music Festival

    -Properly arrange stage for orchestral and chamber music concerts, adhering to quality production standards and specifications -Facilitate smooth rehearsals and performances -Assist the Stage Manager, Managing Director of Artistic Operations, guest artists, and Maestro as needed -Seasonal summer position

    Music Instructor

    Apr, 2012 - May, 2014

    Prodigy School of Arts

    -Taught private piano, violin, viola, voice and piano/voice combination lessons -Prepared lesson plans and taught summer camps covering topics in orchestration, singing, music history, and music theory games -Assisted with administrative duties including QuickBooks, student scheduling, and correspondence with parents

    Music Together Instructor

    Aug, 2009 - Jul, 2010

    Music Together LLC

    -Taught music and movement classes for children 0-4 years of age with their parents -Directed activities building music fundamentals -Led various songs, rhythm, tonal, and movement activities throughout the classes

    Education

    B.A. Music Composition and Theory, Cum laude

    Sep, 2010 - Jun, 2013

    University of California, San Diego

    Master of Music

    Aug, 2014 - May, 2020

    Cal State Long Beach

    Certifications

    Music and Movement Instructor

    Aug, 2009

    Music Together

    Awards

    Provost Honors for 6 quarters

    Jun, 2013

    University of California, San Diego

    The Steward Prize: for an outstanding creative work

    Jun, 2013

    University of California, San Diego. Music Department.

    Department Honors in Music with Distinction

    Jun, 2013

    University of California, San Diego. Music Department.

    Affiliations

    Music Teachers' Association of California

    Oct, 2013

    MTAC aspires to be the recognized leader in (1) Student Programs, which make a positive impact in the quality of music education and in the lives of music students; (2) Member Programs, which inspire quality teaching, the pursuit of ongoing teacher education and member involvement with community outreach; (3) a thriving Foundation, which funds Student Programs and member needs through its investments, donations, and grants.

    American Composers Forum

    Feb, 2019

    The American Composers Forum enriches lives by nurturing the creative spirit of composers and communities. We provide new opportunities for composers and their music to flourish, and engage communities in the creation, performance and enjoyment of new music.

    Alliance for Women Film Composer

    Apr, 2018

    Through advocacy, support and education, the Alliance for Women Film Composers aims to increase the visibility of women composers active in media scoring. The AFWC advocates for the inclusion of women composers within industry events; supports filmmakers, game developers and studios in their inclusion of women composers; and educates, mentors and inspires emerging women composers.

    MusicLink Foundation

    Oct, 2017

    Any child who has musical potential deserves the opportunity to nurture this talent to its full extent. Many children lack the chance to receive music lessons due to financial need. The MusicLink Foundation reaches out to low income families by linking these students with professional music teachers willing to reduce their fee to make the lessons more affordable for the child.

    California Professional Music Teachers Association

    Aug, 2014

    CAPMT is the California State Affiliate of the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA). CAPMT is a 501(c)(3) non-profit music teachers organization of over 1,000 members, teaching in independent studios, private and public schools, conservatories, colleges, and universities throughout California. CAPMT offers a variety of state programs for the music student and education and professional opportunities for its members. California is divided into nine geographical districts, some of which are subdivided into chapters. The districts and chapters provide local opportunities for student performances, competitions, evaluations, and for teacher enrichment, education, and interaction.

    Music Teachers National Association

    Jul, 2014

    The MTNA was founded in 1876 with the goal of advancing the value of music study and music-making to society while supporting the careers and professionalism of teachers of music. With nearly 22,000 members in 50 states—and more than 500 local affiliates—the MTNA is the preeminent source for music teacher support, where members embody like-minded values and commitment to their students, colleagues and society as a whole, while reaping the rewards of collaboration, continuity and connection throughout the lifetime of their careers.

    American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers

    Dec, 2013

    The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) is a membership association of more than 480,000 US composers, songwriters, lyricists and music publishers. The ASCAP is committed to nurturing music makers throughout their careers.

    Private Lessons

    • 1:1 lessons with a trusted instructor
    • 300+ subjects to choose from
    • Meet online or in person
    • Free on-demand videos and articles

    This teacher is not currently accepting students