About the Sammamish Rock Band
The Sammamish Rock Band is a unique program that offers young musicians the opportunity to learn far beyond what they get in a traditional music class. Students not only learn to play their instruments, but they also dive into composition, music theory, and ear training. These foundational skills help them understand how music works and how to create their own songs, giving them the tools to express themselves musically.
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In this program, students take creative leadership over their music, collaborating with peers to write, arrange, and perform original compositions. They gain a deep understanding of music theory that enables them to play and hear songs as they are meant to sound. With a focus on real-world musical skills, Sammamish Rock Band helps kids develop both their technical abilities and their creative vision, setting them up to be well-rounded musicians who can bring their musical ideas to life.
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Schedule & Location:
Instruments
Offered
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Piano/Synth
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Electric Guitar
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Bass Guitar
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Drums (Due to high demand, drummers must choose a second instrument to alternate on)
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Voice
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Saturdays:
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10:30 - 11:30 AM
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11:40 AM - 12:40 PM
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12:50 - 1:50 PM
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2:00 - 3:00 PM​
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22522 NE Inglewood Hill Rd,
Building C Sammamish, WA 98074, (Sammamish Presbyterian Campus)
More Info
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Ages: 7-18
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Session: October - June (following the Issaquah School District schedule)
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Two concerts per year: One in February, one in June
**Classes are filled based on age, experience, and instrument, and are on a first-come, first-served basis.
Requirements
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Rock Band Class Only: $250/month (October - June)
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Rock Band + Weekly Private Lessons: $500/month (October - June)
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Concert fees are included.
For full details, view our Sammamish Rock Band Handbook and Sammamish Rock Band Policy Document.
Tuition
2024-2025 Enrollment Closed.
Register for the 2025-2026 session here.
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Contact Us:
For more information, call (206) 972-3959 or email sophie@sammamishrockband.com.
Sophie Price
FOUNDER & INSTRUCTOR
Sophie Price is a Seattle singer/songwriter, composer, producer, and sound designer for film and media. She earned her Bachelor's of Music in Music Education from Queens College and a Masters of Music in Composition for Film from The Pacific Northwest Film Scoring Program. Sophie has composed in a wide array of genres including dramatic pieces for orchestra, music for horror, singer-songwriter folk music, children's music, music for podcasts and more. Sophie also records and produces music in Seattle. She released her debut solo album, "Even Birds," December, 2021. Since the release of her album, Sophie's music has been licensed into two Lifetime films. In 2022, Sophie produced and recorded Vashti Summervill's debut album, "Put My Love in a Picture." The album features revered Seattle musicians such as Ben Smith (well known as the drummer from the band Heart) and the 2022 Earshot Instrumentalist of the Year, Marina Albero.
Sophie composed the original score for the award winning film, "The Graveyard Shift." She has worked with Chicago comedian/actor Colin Dowda to design sound and foley as well as compose three original songs for his 2023 film, "Mixed Signals." She also composed the original score for the award winning film "The Faint Goodbye" Directed by Aaron Garcia.
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Sophie has also been teaching music for over ten years. She began private teaching in New York City in 2013 and taught public school general music at P.S. IS 109 in East Flatbush Brooklyn. Sophie has a love for teaching, keeping music fun, and spreading her love of music composition to her students.
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In 2022, Sophie founded the Sammamish Rock Band, which allows students to not only learn their instrument, but also compose and perform music with their band. This program combines Sophie's experience in composition with her love for teaching.
Vai Taya
INSTRUCTOR
Vai Taya is a musician/guitarist based in Bellevue, Washington. She draws inspiration from a broad range of artists, including Grant Green, Wayne Shorter, Elliot Smith, Clairo, and The Sundays. She has performed at prestigious venues and festivals nationwide, such as the Paramount Theatre in Seattle, the Lionel Hampton Festival, the Monterey Jazz Festival, the Caramoor Jazz Festival, and the Charles Mingus Festival.
As a member of the Bellevue College Jazz Band, under the direction of Jim Sisko, Vai has had the privilege of performing alongside renowned musicians such as Wayne Bergeron and Marshall Gilkes. In 2023, she was selected to join the esteemed Next Generation Women in Jazz Combo, directed by Katie Thiroux. As part of this exceptional ensemble, Vai performed at the 67th Monterey Jazz Festival, including an arena stage performance with acclaimed pianist Jason Moran.
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As an educator, Vai finds inspiration in her students’ creativity and loves watching them grow as musicians. She keeps things fun and engaging, often incorporating games and activities that make learning feel like a natural part of the process. When she’s not playing music, Vai enjoys reading, spending time with her pet bunny, and treating herself to a bowl of pho noodles.
