Teacher Talks: Sam Merendino

We’re so excited to share this next Teacher Talk with you! Welcome Sam Merendino, drumming aficionado and music enthusiast! We talked about everything from how Sam became the musician he is today to being in a band and more! 

Question: In your opinion, what makes a good lesson?

Sam: Just showing growth of any kind! Any improvement is good. We just don’t want stagnation. Even if the student doesn’t completely “get it” by the end of the lesson, if they can just make strides and get better than the week before, then that’s great! I count that as a win.

Q: What is a piece of advice you like to pass on to your students?

S: Music is supposed to be fun! If you feel like you’re in a rut or you’re not enjoying it, go back to doing something musical that you’ve done in the past and see if that helps! 

Q: Who are some of your musical inspirations?

S: Starset, The Band CAMINO, and Paramore are the big ones right now!

Q: Tell us about your musical background and why percussion?

S: I come from a super musical family. I’ve had 4 extended family members who have played drums professionally at some point in their lives and my grandpa played the accordion in a polka band for 50 years. So I’ve always just been around it.

Q: What songs are usually floating around in your head?

S: Whatever my students are working on, or what I’m working on myself! Recently it’s been a lot of Twenty One Pilots, a lot of modern pop-rock stuff (The Band CAMINO), or any of the music that one of my bands plays.

Q: How many bands have you been in and what’s it like being in a band?

S: Oh sheesh! Probably like 15 at this point! It’s great when it’s the right group of people. When it’s a group that’s low maintenance and doesn’t start drama (and the gigs are good), it’s a blast. Communication is key for sure, and when you have those other things there’s nothing better! 

Q: What do you like to do outside of music?

S: I’m a huge sports fan! Football and basketball, mostly, so I love watching those. I’m a big Ohio State fan, so anything on tv that features the Buckeyes will have my undivided attention! I also play basketball on the weekends as a hobby. I’m also really into space and learning about our solar system, galaxy, and beyond! I’m always watching videos or reading articles about various astronomical topics.

Q: What is your dream vacation?

S: Probably Italy or Iceland! Italy’s gorgeous and my family is from Sicily. Iceland has so much natural beauty! 

Q: Do you have a hidden talent?

S: Probably bowling. I used to be really good at it right when the pandemic started, but I don’t go so much anymore. When I was going all the time I would probably be averaging around 180 or 190 a game.

Q: You have to give up one of your five senses: which would it be and why?

S: Smell. I just don’t use that one too much!