Sam Williams
Musician & Music Tutor
In addition to private tuition, I have also been a Music Tutor with MusicStation, Tonbridge since 2017.
As an events pianist/keys player I have played at a variety of different events and functions across London and the South East and have musically directed and/or produced a variety of concerts since 2012. I also have several years experience and qualification in events planning, marketing, project and venue management.
MY STORY:
I started playing piano/keyboards in secondary school when I was about 14. It was at school where my discovery and love of playing began with the help of a great music department and staff. I got involved in as many concerts and performances as possible, earning the Senior Music award from the College as well as a 2006/07 ‘Outstanding Contribution to Music’ and became the first recipient of the Anne Mair Award. After that, while studying for and earning my Double Distinction Grade BTEC National Certificate in Music, I played keys and sang at numerous events including musically directing the senior Musical production of Alan Menken and Howard Ashman’s ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ at The Sinden Theatre and received the KIRK Award for services to the Community before going on to earn my BSc First Class (Hons) Degree from Canterbury Christ Church University in 2014. During this time I also gained my APM Qualification in Project Management.
Before I started teaching the Rock and Pop Keys lessons I do now, between August 2014 and July 2017 I was Events and Theatre Coordinator at Rye Creative Centre where I also worked collaboratively with the Rye Arts Festival and a number of touring theatre companies. During this time I also delivered weekly performance workshops working with adults with physical and sensory impairments.
Over the years, I have worked on a number of other collaborative arts projects in the South East, including projects with 'COaST' within Canterbury Christ Church University, Hastings Vocal Explosion and Gospel Soul Choir, 'White Horses' Whitstable, Canterbury Heritage Museums, the Rye Arts and Canterbury Festivals, 'Back In The Room' in Rye and have been a Sessional Music Tutor for ADAPT Theatre based within the Rye Academy Trust and Music & Performing Arts Activity Leader for CATS College Canterbury.
Since 2012 I have organised and led a number of special charity concerts with invited vocalists, musicians and choirs celebrating great songs while raising money and awareness in aid of various charities which have included Parkinson’s UK, ARRCC and Youth Music. These can involve a lot of effort but are well worth it and something I very much enjoy doing as once again, we bring people together through the love and power of music!