The halls of George Grant Mason Elementary are alive with the sound of music, thanks to the arrival of Samuel Johnson, Tuxedo Union Free School District’s new Pre-K–7 Choral and General Music teacher. With a passion for harmony, a knack for improvisation, and an impressive repertoire of skills, Mr. Johnson is ready to lead Tuxedo’s young musicians on their journey through the world of music.
Mr. Johnson’s musical talents are as diverse as they are impressive. He plays piano, guitar, trumpet, cello, and most percussion instruments—all self-taught. His favorite instruments are piano and his own voice, both of which he brings to life in the classroom. In college, he sang in two acapella groups, exploring pop, R&B, jazz, and more. This rich musical background helps him connect with students in unique and creative ways.
"Music class doesn’t only have to feature classical music," Johnson explains. By weaving in popular music genres and references students recognize—like TikTok songs or hip-hop DJ lessons—he keeps classes engaging and relatable.
For Mr. Johnson, teaching music is about more than just melodies and rhythms. He sees his classroom as a space where students feel safe to express themselves and grow as musicians and individuals. "The best part of teaching is forming connections with students," he says. "I love being a role model or adult figure that they can trust, knowing I add something meaningful to their lives."
In his first months at Tuxedo, Mr. Johnson directed and produced the fourth and fifth-grade musical A Year with Frog and Toad, showcasing his dedication to providing students with performance opportunities and his knack for bringing out their best.
Mr. Johnson’s philosophy is simple but powerful: music is meant to be shared. "Listening to music by yourself is great, but music should be a group activity," he says. "I love the energy in the room when a musical lesson or performance goes well. That shared experience is truly special."
Tuxedo's smaller class sizes give Mr. Johnson the chance to dive deeper into lessons and provide more personalized attention to each student. "It’s exciting to have the time and space to help each student grow and reach their potential," he says.
With Mr. Johnson at the helm, the district is poised for a harmonious future filled with creativity, collaboration, and the joy of making music together.