Born and raised in Los Angeles, CA, Sam began playing violin at age five. She earned her master’s degree in Violin Performance and Suzuki Pedagogy from the Cleveland Institute of Music and her bachelor’s degree in Violin Performance from the Eastman School of Music. Her primary instructors include Ivan Zenaty, the Cavani String Quartet, Ayano Ninomiya, Juliana Athayde and Zvi Zeitlin. She has spent summers with the National Repertory Orchestra, Aspen Music Festival and Music Academy of the West. Following her graduation in May 2016 she relocated to St. Louis, MO where she maintains a full teaching studio and active freelance schedule. In addition to music making, Sam is an ardent fan of dogs, CrossFit and photography.