Sam Melnick's music was engaging, imaginative, and enjoyable to conduct and perform. In working with Sam, I was most impressed by his his clear vision for the music, knowing exactly what he wanted, and his enthusiasm for delivering a high quality performance.
Jessica Morel
Visiting Assistant Professor & Director of Orchestral Activities
University of Evansville, Indiana
I have had the pleasure of working with several young composers and performing their works, and Sam Melnick with Cycle Song remains by far my favorite experience. Not only was he engaged, punctual, and prepared, but he had artistic insight and a sense of control over his piece that many young composers take several more years to develop. We had a legitimate artistic discussion about Cycle Song, and it was a joy to learn and perform. His choices were conscious, considerate, and comprehensive.
Erin Matthews
Soprano
Working with Sam Melnick on his Four Seasonal Bagatelles was such a wonderful opportunity. Not only was this work pianistic, engaging, and a joy to learn, but working with the composer himself was a truly collaborative experience. He had a very clear artistic vision for this work and was very open to any of my thoughts or ideas that arose while learning the Bagatelles. Working with Sam on his Four Seasonal Bagatelles was an inspiring and creative process, full of open discussion, experimentation, and discovery.
Ellen Pavliska
Pianist
In 2011 I was fortunate to become acquainted with young Sam Melnick's work as a serious composer. Mr. Melnick submitted a musical work to the Austin Symphony for consideration in the Texas Young Composer's Competition. His composition was written for full symphony orchestra and was superior in all aspects of originality, form, technique and content. Our orchestra agreed to perform his work on a special concert in April 2011. I continue to be impressed with the talent and ability of Mr. Melnick and offer him my sincerest recommendation.
Anthony J. Corroa
Executive Director
Austin Symphony Orchestra
Sam Melnick's music is creative, interesting, and intellectual. He is always open to new possibilities and ideas for compositions which makes his music diverse, flexible, and fresh.
Ryan Brewer
Musician, trumpet
