Sami May, born Samantha May Bocker, is preparing for her senior year at Arizona State University, where she is completing her Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies degree; concentrating in both music and business. Upon graduation from ASU, Sami May plans to attend The Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences (CRAS) to obtain a more in-depth music production and music business education. Earning both her Bachelors Degree and multiple certificates from CRAS, Sami May will be seeking a songwriting/production position with a reputable record label and/or recording studio in Los Angeles, CA.
Her musical talent surfaced at the tender age of three. Sami developed a passion for singing along to the radio on the long car rides to her grandmother's house in Upstate New York. At the age of 5, Sami began taking piano lessons, which were short-lived as she couldnt quite grasp the difference between bass and treble cleff. However, at the age of 15- Sami started to teach herself to play piano again by ear, which has developed into a daily practice for Sami, now 20 years old.
A few years later at the age of 8, Sami's parents bought her her first acoustic guitar, which she then taught herself a few chords to be able to play along to some of her favorite songs on. Later at the age of 11, Sami got her first electric guitar (American Stratocaster), followed by another Ibanez acoustic/electric, and later, an Epiphone Les Paul electric. It wasn't until the age of 15 did she begin taking guitar lessons, which were also short-lived; but at the age of 20, Sami has picked up playing again, and has even composed a few acoustic versions of some of her original songs like "Road Not Taken" and "Why I Stay With You".
Back in middle school, Sami began playing trumpet in concert and marching band. Two years later, Sami picked up on the tenor saxophone, which she continued playing through high school and college as well. At the young age of 11, Sami began writing songs and sometimes even raps, but never took songwriting seriously until she entered her freshman year of college.
In college, Sami joined the Sun Devil Marching Band (tenor sax) and the Sun Devil Basketball Band (tenor and alto sax). Her membership in one of the top marching bands in the nation gave her the opportunity to perform with big name acts such as Little Richard, and The Boston Brass, as well as at headline events such as Superbowl XLII, Pacific Life Holiday Bowl, and even an NBA game between the Phoenix Suns & LA Lakers. Sami May has studied on saxophone with world-renowned musicians, including Sam Palafian and James G. Hudson. Though a professional and well-seasoned multi-instrumentalist, Sami prefers a simple pen & paper to write the lyrics of her original songs more than any of her other musical talents.
She discovered her talent and passion for songwriting when she entered her freshman year at ASU. Four years later, Sami has written over 30 songs, and plans to continue songwriting as her main concentration in her musical career. This 20 year old redhead from Montgomery, NY has accomplished more than most her age do in a lifetime. Highly ambitious, and always determined, Sami May plans on interning at a local Phoenix radio station, record label, or recording studio during the spring semester of her senior year at ASU, graduating Cumme Laude from Arizona State University, attending The Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences (CRAS) for 8 months, and then moving to Los Angeles to pursue her life-long dream of having a professional career as a singer/songwriter.
Open Mics and such around Tempe/Scottsdale/PHX.
Mariah Carey (all time favorite) Alicia Keys (close second), John Legend, John Mayer, Timbaland, Justin Timberlake, T.I, Lil Wayne, Drake, Eminem, Tupac, Kanye West, Lupe Fiasco, Beyonce, David Sides, The Progressions, DJ $krilla, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Holly Brooke, Sarah Barielles....
Mac Book, Garageband, Cubase, PC with Protools and Sonar. IZOTOPE ozone, vinyl, and others. Audacity, Reason, Reaper, Logic, Finale, Sibelius.....guitars, saxophones, pianos/keyboards, M-audio keystation Pro. Digidesign digi 003. Eons. Bus system, 16 channel soundboard......lots of gizmos available to me.
More to come!