Biography
Dr. Samuel Wellman has a long and distinguished career as a musician. He earned a strong educational foundation, starting with a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Lenoir-Rhyne University (1973). He then went on to receive both a Master of Music in Theory and a Doctorate in Composition from Florida State University (1976 and 1980).
Dr. Wellman’s professional life began with a teaching position at Warner Southern College in Lake Wales, Florida (1974-1992). There, he shared his knowledge by teaching piano, music theory, and music history. This period also saw his talent for composing blossom. He created over 1,500 pieces, mostly for solo piano. Notably, more than 200 of these were hymn arrangements, with nearly 100 published works. This achievement earned him recognition from the Florida State Music Teachers Association’s Commissioned Composer Award in 1987.
Since 1992, Dr. Wellman has been a faculty member at Liberty University, where his focus has become primarily piano instruction. However, his love for performing continues to shine. He is a highly requested accompanist, having supported a remarkable 63 opera and musical theater productions, in addition to well over 200 student recitals. This extensive experience demonstrates his versatility and ability to excel in various musical settings.
Dr. Wellman’s dedication goes beyond just composing and performing. He is passionate about nurturing future generations of musicians. Throughout his career, he has enjoyed teaching piano, composition, and music theory, undoubtedly leaving a lasting impact on countless aspiring musicians.