Sam is a keen educator, and has been a peripatetic brass, WCEL and music teacher and workshop leader for a number of years. During this time he has taught brass and music regularly at a number of schools and music education centres throughout the South West, including:
- Exeter School
- Mount Kelly
- University of Plymouth (Trumpet & Jazz Trumpet)
- Ivybridge Community College
- South Dartmoor Community College
- SaMMS Saturday Morning Music (specialist music school in Totnes)
- King Edward VI Community College (KEVICC) in Totnes
- Torquay Boys & Girls Grammar Schools
- The Beacon Federation (Federation Music Specialist)
He believes in teaching in a fun and encouraging environment whilst maintaining a structured approach.
He is experienced in preparing students for ABRSM, Trinity College/Trinity Guildhall Graded examinations (Classical & Jazz disciplines) and in individual GCSE and A-Level music tuition, as well as auditions for further musical study.
A number of former students have gone on to study at specialist music institutions such as Wells Cathedral School, Royal College of Music and Guildhall School of Music and Drama.
Specialising in trumpet, flugelhorn and jazz/improvisation, he offers individual tuition in the following instruments and topics:
- Trumpet, Cornet and Flugelhorn
- All lower brass valved instruments (e.g. Tenor Horn, Euphonium)
- Trombone
- Jazz and Improvisation
- Music Theory/Aural
- GCSE and A-Level Music Tutoring
Lessons can be arranged at SaMMS Saturday Morning Music in Totnes during term time, or privately by arrangement. He is enhanced DBS-checked, has full Public Liability Insurance through the Musicians Union and has attended a Level 2 Safeguarding Course.
If you would like to enquire about lessons, please use the Contact page to contact Sam for more information or to obtain references.
“Sam has been teaching our son, age 10, to play the trombone for the past year – and this was no ordinary year! After two terms of lessons in school, Sam switches seamlessly to online lessons during Coronavirus lockdown which provided consistency and a source of optimism in uncertain times.
This reflects Sam’s professionalism and fantastic communication skills with students and parents. Sam has a calm, positive manner and his passion for music and encouraging future musicians shines through. Our son has immensely grown in confidence and within the year is now working towards Grade 3. I would highly recommend his lessons – in person or online.” SB, Parent
Ensemble Direction
Sam has been directing Brass, Wind, Jazz and Concert Band ensembles at SaMMS Saturday Music School for many years, and now directs ensembles at a number of primary and secondary schools throughout the South West.
He has built the groups up to a high standard of performance, some of which can be heard on the Media page of this site.
He has also been involved as a tutor in regular and weekend Jazz Workshops for adults and students.
Sam is always keen to get the best out of the ensembles, and will help the less experienced students by tailoring the ensemble parts to suit their abilities and composing and arranging pieces especially for the band.
If you would like to talk to Sam about directing your ensemble, please use the details on the Contact page.
South Devon Youth Jazz
South Devon Youth Jazz offer fortnightly jazz workshops and special termly masterclasses with some of Britain’s top jazz musicians based in Totnes.
All instruments welcome – please visit
for more information!
Sam Massey 