Samantha Liu is a double bassist studying at the Eastman School of Music under the tutelage of James VanDemark. In conjunction with her performance degree, she is also pursuing a BM in Music Education, studying with Dr. Lisa Caravan and Dr. Sangmi Kang. In 2024, she performed with the Eastman Harmonie Ensemble at the Midwest Clinic as part of the Reynolds Conducting Institute. She participated in the Atlantic Music Festival during the summer of 2023, where she worked with Donald Palma as well as Gregg August. Her passion for teaching grew through her work with early childhood and elementary school students at the Eastman Community Music School, where she has developed a strong commitment to fostering student growth, learning, and a sense of community. Dedicated to advancing her understanding of music education, Samantha is also a fellow in Eastman’s Arts Leadership Certificate Program, where she explores music administration and collaborates with organizations devoted to promoting music education.