Sam McKinstry: Roving Rural Outreach Music Facilitator
Elkton Elementary School.
I was brought to music early in life by watching members of my family play music around me. I have memories of my great uncle, my parents, and my many aunts and uncles playing and singing music around me. One of these aunts began my formal training on piano at a young age. They all managed to plant a musical seed in my brain that I could never imagine uprooting.
These memories embody much of what is important about keeping the tradition of music making alive. There is stark contrast between these experiences and the modern tradition of receiving entertainment from the television and not from each other. As less and less people know how to play music, there are less experiences for us to share with each other and less to be passionate about.
I grew up in a small town in Missouri, outside of St. Louis. I went on to study music in a variety of settings on a multitude of instruments. My experiences including Symphonic and Jazz Band, Orchestra and Choir. I received a bachelor’s degree in music education from Missouri State University. I currently hold a preK-12 teaching certificate in both Missouri and Oregon.
I was also shaped by my musical experiences outside of school including playing in local Old-Time, Rock, Funk and Dixieland bands and composing scores for short movies. I currently spend my free time playing in local bands around Portland including the traditional string band Whistlepig and with Jazz/Blues singer-songwriter Karyn Patridge.
I was lucky enough to start my first job when I was 16 as a drum teacher and haven’t stopped educating people about music since. I have experienced teaching music at music shops, summer camps, in public schools, at workshops and in my home to friends. Essentially, playing and educating folks about the joys of music is what I love to do. It is my life goal to pass on what my family did for me by planting a love for music in as many people as possible.
It is my hope that I can help you to realize how essential music making is to being human. Music can help improve your quality of life, it’s fun, makes you happier and healthier. Why shouldn’t you? Music is a vessel to help and meet others. Anyone can be successful at it with the right seed and good careful planting. Each learning situation is unique, so each of our lessons together will be tailored to fit. It would be my honor to help you grow your musical garden.
Contact Information: sam@ethos.org or (888)583-8467 Ext. 122
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