Meet Our Team

Guitar/Head Tutor

Max is our resident Head Tutor here at S.A.M.S. He has been teaching for many years now, specialising in a multitude of genres from Jazz to pop rock.

Beginning as a touring bassist, Max found teaching a part time hobby but it soon became his main passion.

Specialising in a range of approaches, Max has seen a lot of success from students with anxiety and other mental health struggles.

Piano/Music Coach

Alex is our specialist S.E.N.D. music teacher.

For over 20 years Alex has worked in the S.E.N.D. sector, offering 1 to 1 music lessons, group classes and music sensory and relaxation sessions.

Alex can help you explore your musical ability on instruments including piano, drums, guitar and vocals, and through music production.

He has a natural ability to recognise individuals’ strengths, enabling them to work to the best of their ability, which makes him the ideal S.E.N.D. Tutor.

Alex always creates a warm and friendly environment where people can relax, gain confidence and flourish!

Therapy Dog

Introducing Baloo our resident therapy dog! He’s been working in Stoke on Trent and surrounding areas for over 3 years now helping children of all ages who have a passion for reading, under the Kennel Club Bark and Read programme.

Registered with the charity Canine Concern he aims to bring a calming influence to the school and to support learners when needed.

E-Drums

Lara is our drum specialist here at Sams. She has been gigging with bands for many years in all different kinds of styles and genres.
She has a very caring approach when it comes to teaching, having lots of success with people anxiety and other similar mental health struggles.

Piano

Cheryl began her love with the piano at the age of 3, having been given an organ by her emigrating Uncle before he left. 

Her first ever performance was the following year, aged 4 where she played at church

From then on, her love and enthusiasm grew, and she has not stopped playing piano since.

She has developed a life long love of music, and over the years has learned to play many instruments including guitar.

Whenever an opportunity to try something new in music, Cheryl has taken up the challenge. 

She was the resident pianist at a restaurant for 17 years, she toured the country with the 10 piece Commitments 2 tribute show and has been part of many bands. 

So from being in a 90's dance band, too playing in a punk band, Cheryl loves every style of music there is.

Cheryl has also performed on cruise ships, along with many venues and hotels around the world.

Having ran her own comedy club for over 5 years and performing as a comedienne all over the country, you can guarantee a fun and friendly lesson with Cheryl every time!  

Vocal Coach

Grace is a talented vocalist with a postgraduate degree in Creative Industry Studies from the Academy of Contemporary Music. With a soulful voice and a strong foundation in music education, she performs regularly at venues, clubs, and weddings. Passionate about sharing her expertise, Grace teaches vocals to students of all ages and skill levels, blending her musical talent with her educational background to create a truly unique and engaging experience.