Miles Sam

Miles Sam — born Albert Devon Sam III — is a New Orleans-bred guitarist whose refined musicianship, cultural roots, and relentless pursuit of excellence have already placed him on major stages and in the spotlight of one of the world's most prestigious music institutions. Raised in a musical family in New Orleans and Baton Rouge with Jazz & Heritage Festival posters lining the walls, Miles was named after a jazz legend before he ever picked up a guitar.

He began playing acoustic guitar at age 7, but it wasn't until 12 — during the 2020 pandemic — that a late-night viewing of Prince's Purple Rain ignited his true calling. "I realized that music was my calling," he recalls. "Having that time of reflection to focus on music really brought it all out in me." Since then, Miles has shaped his sound around the electric guitar, drawing inspiration from Prince, Roy Hargrove, Miles Davis, and Carlos Santana across jazz, R&B, and funk.

In 2023, Miles attended Berklee's Valencia, Spain summer program — his first international music immersion — where he performed in global ensembles, refined his technique, and unexpectedly discovered a love for salsa music. The following summer, he returned to Berklee for the rigorous Aspire Five-Week Performance Intensive in Boston, studying among students from 70+ countries, completing his undergraduate audition for Berklee College of Music on-site, and growing "musically every minute."

In Spring 2024, Miles performed a guitar solo in front of thousands of attendees at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival alongside Water Seed — a milestone performance in his hometown's most celebrated cultural institution. He also launched and hosts Monday Before Dark, a monthly live music showcase at The Artemis in Washington, DC, featuring high school and college musicians.

Miles has also performed at the White House and on the same stage as the Rolling Stones at Jazz Fest 2024. He shares his musical journey with 4.4K+ Instagram followers (@save.miles) documenting the full band dynamic, raw individual moments, and La Banda energy.

Now a student at Berklee College of Music — a full scholarship recipient — Miles Sam is building the foundation of a long-term career as both a performer of his own compositions and a musician backing accomplished artists.