Samantha Adams-Blanco is a cellist studying at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music under Richard Aaron. Originally from Los Angeles, her prior training took place at the Colburn Community School of Performing Arts, where she studied with Benjamin Lash. Her chamber music experience includes conservatory coaching by Dimitri Murrath and members of the Esme Quartet and prior participation in an Honors Quartet in the Ed and Mari Edelman Chamber Music Institute. In addition to performing, Samantha loves sharing music through collaboration and teaching. She has been teaching privately and in group settings for the past several years, including virtual and in-person private lessons and practice coaching. At the Colburn School, Samantha was a teacher’s assistant for Aimee Kreston’s Fiddles on Fire program, where she coached and performed alongside young violinists. Samantha’s teaching focuses on building excellent musicianship and technique through the diligent practice of fundamentals. She strives to create a fun and curious environment where students gain confidence through measured progress, creativity, and ultimately learn how to teach themselves, which she believes to be the foundation of effective practice.