Biography

Sam Porter is a Southern California based musician that brings a dynamic presence and versatile music background to our school that ranges from classical and opera to rock, pop, and other contemporary genres. His musical journey began with piano lessons at the age of 7, but eventually expanded to guitar and voice lessons, which would expand him to perform in rock bands during his time at Sierra Madre Music and the Arcadia Chanteurs show choir.

He is currently pursuing a BM in Vocal Performance at the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music in California State University, Long Beach.He studies under the private instruction of Dr. Emily Thebaut, serves as the Tenor section leader for the CSULB University Choir, performs in the opera department, holds the position of Secretary for the Mu Phi Epsilon fraternity, and has previously sung in the jazz group called Cornerpocket. He transferred from Pasadena City College, where he was a part of the PCC Chamber Singers as well as opera and musical theater workshops.

A dedicated vocal musician, he has performed for a variety of ensembles, companies, and nonprofit organizations within the Los Angeles area, including Los Concioneros Master Chorale, Lyric Opera of Orange County, Voices for Social Justice, and serves as the Tenor section leader for the Los Altos United Methodist Church Sanctuary Choir. With a growing passion for opera, he recently played the role of Mercury in Orpheus in the Underworld with the Lyric Opera of Orange County, and will take on the role of Basilio in Le nozze di Figaro with the CSULB Opera Institute in April 2026. He also advanced to the finals in the 2025 NATS-LA Scholarship Collegiate Auditions, where he would place third in his category.

A love of music is a core part of Sam's personality and with his growing passion for music performance and education, Sam is committed to share his love for music to the next generation with an approach that fosters growth in musicianship, artistry, and technique through a joyful and supportive learning environment.