Composer & Guitarist


As an artist, my work is driven by a desire to overcome the communication barriers that emerge from the "double empathy" problem—creating art that allows for meaningful connection, both with myself and with others. I aim to express my personal perception of the world in ways that invite others to engage with and reflect upon the broader human experience. I believe that art should not only provoke thought but also challenge the disposable nature of modern culture, encouraging deeper reflection on the lasting value of artistic traditions. My goal is to use these shared cultural languages to foster exchange, empathy, and understanding.

In my compositions, I focus on the development of melody and motif within varied harmonic structures, carefully tailored to suit the needs of each piece. Drawing from a wide range of harmonic approaches—from folk-like drones to the rich language of late-Romanticism, Impressionism, and Serialism—I seek to create music that is both accessible and thought-provoking. Aesthetic is an important consideration for me, and I intentionally choose forms that remain approachable, ensuring that the music speaks to the audience without alienating them. I focus exclusively on acoustic instruments, believing that the direct interaction between performers and instruments is one of the most powerful forms of human communication.

My inspirations are diverse, ranging from classical composers like Satie, Ives, and Debussy, to 20th-century innovators such as Cage, Ligeti, and Stravinsky. As a jazz performer, I draw from the great improvisers, including Wes Montgomery, Bill Frisell, and John Scofield, while still holding a deep respect for my classical roots. My early training in classical guitar and folk music continues to shape my improvisational style, giving me a unique perspective on the intersection of form, freedom, and expression.

Looking forward, my aim is to create art that honors and builds upon the rich history of artistic language, weaving together cultural references to communicate new ideas. I seek to rejuvenate traditional forms, maintaining their core values while imbuing them with a modern sensibility and fresh perspective.

I studied for my BMus in CIT Cork School of Music (CSM) taking various composition electives under David Wallace, C.S.L. Parker and Seamus De Barra and orchestration under Alan Cutts. In 2011 I achieved my MA in composition in CSM.

I am a registered composer with the Contemporary Music Centre.


Sam's debut album "Little Sammy Speaks" 

Out Soon

Please get in touch via the contact page to book Sam for gigs, concerts, musicals, shows, commissions, arrangements and production services.