MUIR Samantha

Samantha has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Sydney majoring in English Literature, and is an Associate of the Royal College of Music, London. On graduating from the RCM in 1996 she was awarded the Madeline Walton Guitar Prize. As a classical guitarist she has taught and performed in Australia, Europe and the UK and currently teaches classical guitar and ukulele at Sherborne School in Dorset. A leading exponent of classical ukulele Samantha is dedicated to extending the classical ukulele repertoire through original compositions and arrangements. Her arrangements include works by Carulli, Sor, Carcassi, Giuliani, Tarrega and Bach. In 2015 Samantha was commissioned by Schott to arrange a book/CD of 35 Scottish Tunes for Ukulele. In 2016 she released her first solo ukulele CD, The Beauty of Uke: a compilation of her classical and campanella arrangements. Samantha has performed and given workshops at leading ukulele festivals and retreats across the UK, including GNUF, Uke East, BUG Day, the Highland Ukulele Gathering and the Halsway Manor Ukulele and Singing Weekend. Her research interests include ukulele history and the forerunners of the ukulele including the machete de braga and the rajão from Madeira. She has given lecture recitals at the International Guitar Research Centre, the University of Surrey and the Consortium for Guitar Research, Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge. She is a member of the Cohort for Guitar Research, Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge and is currently doing a PhD at the University of Surrey entitled New Works for Classical Ukulele. www.samanthamuir.com www.iloveclassicalukulele.com