Sam Zerna

Bassist Sam Zerna received his Bachelor of Music (jazz) from Adelaide’s Elder Conservatorium of Music in 2004. During his time there Sam was awarded the 2003 Elder School of Music Jazz Awards: Top Undergraduate- Bass and 2004 Elder School of Music Jazz Awards: Most Outstanding Undergraduate. After 2 years of studying classical technique with David Phillips of the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra Sam relocated to Melbourne where he undertook studies at the Victorian College of the Arts. In 2007 Sam received the degree of first class Honours in Music Performance: (improvistation) from the V.C.A.as well as being awarded the Dr. Phillip Law Award: for Excellence in Innovation. Throughout his periods of study Sam has worked as a music teacher both in primary and secondary schools as well as privately. Sam continues to teach whilst maintaining a busy performance schedule. His experience as a teacher and performer allows Sam to take a personal approach to teaching where students receive lessons tailored to their specific interests and skill level. Sight reading, technique, theory, improvisation, aural training and repertoire are some of the main areas that Sam aims to develop whilst promoting a positive attitude towards music, encouraging people of all levels of experience to share the joy of playing music.