Samuel Armstrong

Sam Armstrong began studying the trombone with Byron Peebles and James Miller of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. In 2008, he was accepted to the Juilliard School, where he studied with Joseph Alessi. He later attended the Curtis Institute of Music under the guidance of Blair Bollinger, Nitzan Haroz, and Matthew Vaughn.

Prior to joining the Singapore Symphony Orchestra in 2016, Sam served as Co-Principal Trombone of the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra and performed as guest with the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

A dedicated educator, Mr. Armstrong is a faculty member at the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music, National University of Singapore. He has led masterclasses throughout Asia, including the Alessi Seminar, Mahidol University, and the Tianjin Juilliard School.

As soloist, Sam performed William Goldstein’s “Colloquy” at the 2022 Thailand International Trombone Festival with the Million Wind Philharmonic, conducted by Ricardo Mollá Albero, and Bert Appermont’s “Colors” in 2024 with the Philharmonic Winds and Robert Casteels. In 2025, he gave the Asia premiere of Timothy Higgins’ “Concerto for Trombone” at the International Wind Ensemble Academy and Festival in Bangkok, conducted by Sun He.

Along with Lim Wen Jie, Jasper Tan, and Toh Chang Hui, Sam is a founding member of Singabones, a trombone ensemble committed to nurturing musicians of all ages through community, camaraderie, and musical excellence. He is also a member of the Lion City Brass Band under music director Ignatius Wang.

Sam is deeply grateful to his parents, Mike and Joy Armstrong, as well as his godparents, Jim and Debbie Boltinghouse - each accomplished brass players themselves - whose unwavering support has shaped who he is today. Away from the concert hall, he enjoys cooking and exploring the world’s cuisines with his wife, Maya Vinothini.