Sam Taylor (Photo by Lavanya Chetal/DePaul University)
Sam Taylor, School of Music
Degree: Master’s in Music in Jazz Studies
Hometown: Fort Myers, Florida
What brought you to DePaul?
I’m a Saxophonist. I was living in New Orleans performing regularly, but I wanted to move to a larger city with a stronger music industry. My partner and I narrowed it down to Los Angeles and Chicago. DePaul gave me a great offer, and my partner landed a good job here — so it just clicked. DePaul was the right place to align my professional experience with academic credentials.
What is a favorite class you took at DePaul?
Two classes stand out to me. In Advanced Improvisation with
Scott Hesse, we explored how to break free musically by mastering foundational concepts and permutations. Rhythm Section Techniques, with Professor
Dennis Carroll, was a hands-on, improvisational class that taught you how to create something from nothing. Both classes were incredibly formative and inspiring.
How do you connect with the DePaul Community?
I’ve really focused on my craft during my time at DePaul and most of my time is spent in one building on one campus. I’ve noticed that DePaul has a strong alumni network throughout the city so I feel like my connection to the community will deepen after graduation as I continue to build roots in Chicago.
What is your favorite memory from your time?
I’ve had some fun concerts here. We just had a special guest artist, Steve Wilson, from New York come a couple of weeks ago, and we did a concert in Gannon Concert Hall in the Holtschneider Performance Center that was really fun. I also won the Downbeat Magazine Student Award two years in a row, which was also super cool!
What inspired your path?
I left my undergraduate degree feeling discouraged. I even quit playing for two years. Eventually, I realized I needed to return to what I love. I moved to New Orleans and fully committed to music again. It’s been the right choice ever since, and ending up at DePaul has reaffirmed that choice for me!
What advice do you have for incoming DePaul music students?
Make sure you're really committed before diving into jazz education—it’s not something to pursue lightly. If you're not 100% in, you might find yourself burned out or looking to pivot later. This path requires full dedication, but it is incredibly fulfilling.
Unlike some other fields, music is a craft and a lifestyle. You're not just preparing for a job. You’re trying to build a life around your passion. Be ready for that, and don’t take the decision to study music lightly.
What next for you?
I’m an active performer, and summer is wedding season, so lots of gigs ahead. But my goal is to find a teaching opportunity at one of the many music schools or universities in Chicago. Ideally, I want to teach during the day and use the rest of my time to focus on music I’m passionate about, not just what pays the bills.
Meet more of the Class of 2025 here.