Jessica Sammis

Meet Jessica Sammis

Whether guiding a young child through their very first notes or helping advanced students refine technique and artistry, Jessica Sammis brings warmth, expertise, and over 14 years of teaching experience to every lesson.

A professional string player and dedicated educator, Jessica holds degrees in cello performance from Northwestern University and Eastman School of Music. Her additional studies have included programs at Music Academy of the West, Sarasota Music Festival, Meadowmount School of Music, and Oberlin Baroque Performance Institute.

Jessica’s music career has taken her to some of the nation’s leading ensembles and schools. Most recently, Jessica was a lead music teacher at the Nysmith School, teaching general music, ukulele, and beginning strings.  Jessica also served as a member of the U.S. Army Strings and as assistant principal cellist of the Maryland Symphony Orchestra, and has performed with the National Symphony Orchestra, Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Eclipse Chamber Orchestra, and Baltimore Chamber Orchestra. She is a member of Sound Impact, a nonprofit using music to build connection and create positive change.  

Jessica believes music lessons should combine excellence with joy. In addition to cello, she is an enthusiastic ukulele teacher and creator of Little Ukes®, a playful, developmentally thoughtful ukulele curriculum designed for children ages 4 and up. Through Little Ukes®, Jessica has introduced hundreds of students—both online and in person—to the confidence, creativity, and community that music can bring.

Whether your goal is building a strong musical foundation, developing artistry, or simply discovering the joy of making music, Jessica creates lessons that are engaging, encouraging, and tailored to each student.

My teaching philosophy is simple:  music is for everyone.

Each person's musical expression is unique, and every person's musical voice matters.  People approach and learn music in many different ways.  My goal as a teacher is to honor each student's relationship with music, and to help them develop a strong foundation for their future musical endeavors.  Lessons are tailored to students' unique learning styles, needs, and interests.

Classes include topics like learning to read music, singing, songwriting, playing the ukulele, preparing for performances, and supporting literacy through music.