Samuel Gaskin

Samuel Gaskin’s interest in composition grew from his love for harmony. Winner of the 2016 University of Michigan Organ Improvisation Competition, Samuel explores the sometimes-contradictory relationship between improvisation and composition. As a performer, he is interested in music of all kinds, playing jazz piano in ensembles throughout his school studies and harpsichord with the San Antonio Symphony under the baton of Jeannette Sorell (Apollo’s Fire). He is also active as a collaborative pianist with both instrumentalists and vocalists. Recent works include Domenican Nights, premiered by the Music Wall Duo, and In memoriam, written for the Unheard-of Ensemble. Samuel’s composition studies have been with William James Ross, Mathew Fuerst, and Ethan Wickman.  He holds a Master’s degree in Organ Performance from the University of North Texas, where he studied with Jesse Eschbach. Samuel is currently Assistant Organist/Choirmaster at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in downtown San Antonio, Texas.