Sam Owens

With twenty years experience in both the Jazz and Orchestral idioms, Sam's versatility makes him a highly sought after music professional. He plays Drums and Percussion, Steel Pan, Piano, Guitar and works as a freelance studio session musician. Sam earned his Bachelor's Degree in Percussion Performance at Valdosta State University and his Master's Degree from Georgia State University in Jazz Studies, graduating Summa Cum Laude. 

Sam has been a percussion instructor for eighteen years and currently has a private virtual studio in Decatur and Avondale Estates. Currently, Sam is building a studio in the Kennesaw/Marietta area and is available for in-person lessons. Sam’s ability to teach a wide range of styles as well as instruments make his instruction invaluable.

This seasoned musician has performed with Puddles Pity Party, The Coasters, Kingsized, Bogey and the Viceroy, Dusty’s Ragtime and Novelties, David Sanchez, Slide Hampton, Francine Reed, Kristian and Brandon Bush, Chicago Joe Jones, Mr. Blue Sky, and is an Atlanta steel drum artist. Sam has also performed with the Macon (GA), Ludwig (GA), Valdosta (GA), Ocala (FL) and Albany(GA) Symphonies and pit percussion for Aurora Theater (GA), The Fox Theatre Atlanta, the Jekyll Island Summer Musical Theatre Festival as well as Capitol City Opera. 

In the Atlanta area Sam has performed numerous shows at the Verizon Amphitheater, The Tabernacle, Terminal West, Center Stage, Chastain Park, Variety Playhouse, The Fox Theatre Atlanta (stage), The Vista Room, the Buckhead Theatre and many more. He has also had the pleasure of performing for just about every festival in town including Piedmont Park Art festival, Inman Park, and Candler Park to name a few.

Be sure to follow Sam on social media to see current performances and videos!

Sam Owens is my go-to guy! As music director of Capitol City Opera, he is the first I ask if I need any kind of percussion and the first I recommend for other opportunities that come to my attention. He is on time, professional, and easy to work with. His expert knowledge of a variety of styles across a wide range of percussion is valuable and unique. Classical, jazz, pop, or world music, Sam's your man!

It is rare to find a performer who has both classical and contemporary prowess, as well as superb improvisational talent. Sam excels on "kit" but is amazing on apparatus and timpani as well. An added plus is that Sam is also a great guy; he has a positive, upbeat personality and his wit and charm enable rehearsal and performance to be a real treat!

-Ira Pittman
 Director/Organist (Retired)
 Mt. Bethel United Methodist

Sam has performed numerous times with the Musica Sacra Atlanta Orchestra and the Saint Cecilia Consort (First Presbyterian Church's of Atlanta's resident orchestra). He always plays at the highest levels in terms of precision, artistry, and excitement. Sam Owens is an extremely talented and versatile percussionist, and he is a joy to work with.

Sam Owens brings a fresh and unique approach to teaching percussion and piano to his students. They not only learn the fundamentals of music but also the nuances that make the music come alive. No matter the level, instrument, or situation, Sam gives each lesson and each student his best. In doing so, his students have earned positions of note in select bands and orchestras in the metro-Atlanta area.