24-year-old jazz pianist Sam Towse has an impressive list of accomplishments. Beginning his musical studies at age 2, Sam has continued mastering his craft under some of New York City's finest teachers and has been rostered on some of the most exclusive festivals in the jazz community. 

 

Sam began playing piano at 2 years old and drum set at age 7. Concentrating on classical music for the first 10 years, Sam then expanded his studies into jazz at the age of 12 and found very early success landing seats at both piano and drums, at the NY Jazz Academy, and a multitude of regional and state competitions. Finally securing a spot at Manhattan School of Music Precollege Division as a jazz pianist, Sam had the privilege of studying under Jeremy Manasia. Sam is currently getting his bachelor’s degree in Jazz Piano at the Manhattan School of Music under teachers Phil Markowitz and Marc Cary, where he has been recognized by more regional, state, and national programs, including Young Arts. Groups he has been a part of, as well as his own group have led him to perform at spaces including Dizzy’s Club, Birdland, Smalls, Bravesound Livestreams, Smoke, Zinc Bar, The 55 Bar, Rockwood Music Hall, Minton’s Playhouse, The Nokia Theatre, Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, and The BRIC Jazz Festival among others. 

 

Sam has had the privilege to share the stage with some of New York City’s finest musicians, including Marc Cary, Miguel Zenon, Marquis Hill, John Ellis, Ingrid Jensen, and Jonathan Finlayson to name a few. Sam’s compositions have been played around Manhattan by his own groups and others, and have earned him national recognition from ASCAP. For more information, visit samtowsemusic.com

 

As a Composer, Sam has written for both big band and combo and has had several pieces commissioned for performance at the Eastern U.S. Music Camp that he attended. His compositions range all styles, but he most often utilizes a sense of harmonic modality. He is influenced by much of the work of Wayne Shorter and Herbie Hancock; especially their work of the late 1970s. Sam’s trio and combo also regularly play his own compositions live, some of which have been recorded and are viewable on his website. Sam also received the 2017 ASCAP/Fran Morgenstern Davis Scholarship in Jazz Composition.