Sam Burns

Sam Burns (23) is a musician and guitarist from Shorewood, IL. From a young age, Sam knew that he wanted to play music. Inspired by his grandfather (who played the trumpet), he joined the Minooka school band at 9 years old. In addition to playing trumpet, he began playing guitar in the Minooka High school jazz band, guitar ensemble, and began starting bands of his own. This is where he discovered his passion for the guitar and improvisation. Sam went on to study music at Joliet Junior College where he advanced his skillset both musically and professionally under the guidance of the school's instructors and community members who continue to be great friends, mentors, and bandmates. Today, Sam is known as an expressive improviser in the world of jazz and a capable freelance guitarist performing with pit orchestras and working on projects of all genres and styles. In addition, Sam maintains a small private studio, teaches lessons at “Hidden Gem Guitars",  instructs group ukulele and guitar classes with the Village of Shorewood, composes original music, and leads groups of his own such as the “Sam Burns 5tet", which regularly performs as the house band at his Jazz Jam session at the Studio Lockport. In addition to himself and his grandfather, both of Sam's brothers play and pursue careers in music as well.