Samantha (Sam) Olsen is a multi-disciplined double bassist with a passion for classical music, jazz, and musical theatre. Since the beginning of her professional career, she has made it her mission to explore the diversity music has to offer and seeks to help others expand their perspective of how music can express the human experience.

She is a frequent substitute for local small ensembles such as the Kabarett Orchestra, a multi-genre live performance group based in Tempe, Arizona with a speciality in new music and film scoring. Additionally, she is called to substitute for organizations such as the Phoenix Theatre Company, Arizona Broadway Theatre, West Valley Symphony, Symphony of the Southwest, and The Musicnova Orchestra. Samantha has also been recognized for her solo talents as a two-time finalist in Baylor University’s Concerto Competition and a semi-finalist in The Young Texas Artist Solo Competition.

In addition to her performing career, Samantha has made a name for herself as a sought-out educator. She has taught private lessons to beginner and intermediate students, offered double bass clinics to middle and high schools in the Phoenix Valley, and served as the main double bass faculty for Baylor University’s High School Orchestra Camp for their Summer 2025 session.

Miss Olsen has earned her Bachelors Degree in Performance on Double Bass from Arizona State University, studying with Catalin Rotaru. She currently holds the Graduate Assistantship for Dr. Sandor Ostlund at Baylor University while pursuing her Masters in Performance. After graduating, she plans to return to her hometown to re-establish her teaching studio and offer her skills as a freelance bass player.

In her spare time, Samantha enjoys volunteering her talents to the local nonprofit performing group Arizona Saints Chorale as a pianist and double bassist. Additionally, she enjoys all things
book-related including binding her own journals, notepads, and personal writing.