Born and raised in Minneapolis, MN, Sammi began training as a classical percussionist when she was eight years old.  At the age of 13, she was accepted into the most prestigious ensemble of the Minnesota Youth Symphonies as one of the youngest players in the history of that orchestra. Not long after, she was immersed into the thriving musical theater scene of Minneapolis, inspiring her to develop her skill as a drum set player. 

 

Sammi made the move to Nashville in 2013 to study music at Belmont University. A recipient of the Wilson Music Scholarship, she has worked with Chester Thompson (Genesis, Weather Report), Zoro (Lenny Kravittz, Bobby Brown), Derico Watson (Victor Wooten), and Steve Goold (Ben Rector, Sarah Bareilles, Owl City), among many others. During her time in Nashville, Sammi has shared the stage with artists such as Peter Frampton, Ricky Skaggs, and Gordon Kennedy, and Kari Jobe.

 

In 2018, Sammi performed with Carrie Underwood in her music video, Love Wins. She recently toured with Billboard Hot AC/CHR topper Moriah Peters, as well as Hannah Rand (2013 Grammy Foundation contest winner) and Jonathan & Emily Martin (LifeWay Publishing). In 2015, Sammi performed on the 10th season of America’s Got Talent with her band, The Reckless Charms.  She was invited to perform at both the Dolby Theater in Hollywood and Radio City Music Hall in New York.  Sammi currently performs and records for artists in pop, rock, Christian, country, Latin, and jazz genres, and has appeared in numerous music videos, including Aaron Cole’s “Right On Time” featuring TobyMac. 

 

Sammi proudly endorses Heartbeat Cymbals, Risen Drums, SKB Cases, and Alclair Audio.