Bio
Sam Kelly, born in Durango, Colorado 1991, is a seasoned performer and educator deeply immersed in contemporary music. Since July 2022, Sam has held a Master's degree from Berklee College of Music in Valencia, Spain, specializing in Contemporary Performance with a Production Concentration.
Since graduating from Fort Lewis College in 2013, Sam has embraced a full-time career as a touring musician and educator. His journey includes touring regionally with bands like Elder Grown and J-Calvin, collaborating with wedding band companies, and actively participating in the vibrant Denver and Western Slope music scenes. Balancing his time between his passion for music and his love for the outdoors, Sam has become one of the go-to saxophonists in the southwest Colorado area, contributing significantly to the local music scene.
Currently a motivated educator at the iAM MUSIC Institute in Durango, CO, Sam specializes in saxophone, piano, clarinet, flute, and music production. His teaching style emphasizes engagement and rigor, fostering meaningful connections with students. Sam is dedicated to musical excellence and eager to share the wealth of knowledge gained from diverse musical experiences in an academic setting.
Now bringing his expertise to an online saxophone coaching setting, Sam shares his passion for performing live with other musicians in the worldwide saxophone community through his simple, easy-to-use music theory concepts.
“Sam Kelly is the go-to sax player in Durango.”
“Their group [Elder Grown] includes saxophone which can sound amazing soloing over classic jams.”
Bands He Regularly Performs With-
J-Calvin, Elder Grown, Afrobeatniks, Niceness, Snazzy Licks, Durango Funk Collective, Lavalanch, Durango Orchestra de Salsa, DJ Soul Atomic, Southwest Civic Winds, Southwest Civic Winds Jazz Ensemble, Various Jazz Ensembles.
Groups He’s Performed With
Tito Puente Jr (Full Show), The Nth Power (Full Show), Euforquestra (Full Show), Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio (Sat In), Spafford (Sat In), Michael Benevento (Lead supergroup performance at an after-hours show in Denver), Michal Menert (Sat In)