Kostas Sampanis

I was born in Athens, Greece, and started my musical journey in 2008 at the Music Praxis Conservatory, where I learned guitar and jazz harmony from Giorgos Argyropoulos, a Berklee graduate, and studied classical harmony with composer Nikos Panagiotakis. I later graduated from the Department of Music Studies at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, where I focused on the theory behind musical improvisation, especially on the electric guitar. My thesis was awarded distinction for its depth and unique approach. Along the way, I’ve been lucky enough to take part in guitar masterclasses with some amazing players like Jack Gardiner, Tom Quayle, Guthrie Govan, and Julian Lage. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work as a session musician, collaborating with talented artists from both Greece and abroad. I’ve been fortunate to perform on some incredible stages in Greece and internationally, mainly in the Pop/Rock, Funk, and Soul genres. In 2021, I released my first Progressive Rock/Metal EP Autumne, which got some kind words from the Progressive music community. It was featured and reviewed by a few online magazines, including Metal Hammer Greece, which called it a "bold and atmospheric debut," noting the technical skill and emotional depth in the music. Since moving to Hamburg, I’ve been focused on composing, teaching music at Schule am See, and working on my second EP. As a teacher, I try to inspire my students and remind them that learning is a lifelong journey. I believe that having a passion for learning is one of the most important things for personal growth.