A Texas native, Smith began his professional career while pursuing his undergraduate degree at West Texas A&M as a freelance bassoonist in the Amarillo area where he held the contra/third bassoon position with the Amarillo Symphony. During this time he maintained a private teaching studio and worked with local high schools as a clinician with bassoon students and as a summer marching band assistant. He worked as an instructor at the West Texas A&M band camp from 2005 to 2013.
He earned the Bachelor of Music degree in bassoon performance in 2008 and the Master of Music degree in bassoon performance in 2013 from West Texas A&M University under the instruction of Dr. Tina Carpenter. He also pursued graduate studies at Baylor University (2008-2009) and the University of Georgia (2009-2012) under the instruction of Dr. Amy Pollard. In this time he continued to teach private lessons and provide clinics in the Atlanta area. He was hired in 2011 at the University of West Georgia as Lecturer of Bassoon.
Smith served in the United States Navy as a musician at Navy Band Great Lakes under the direction of Lieutenant Geordie Kelly from 2014 to 2018. Smith performed for audiences exceeding 32 million across the Midwest performing as a member of Navy Band Great Lakes’ Woodwind Trio, Woodwind Quintet, Ceremonial Band, Parade Band and Wind Ensemble.
While stationed at Navy Band Great Lakes, Smith had the great honor of forming the Double or Nothing Bassoon Ensemble with longtime friend and Assistant Professor of Bassoon at the University of Northern Iowa, Cayla Bellamy. Double or Nothing Bassoon Ensemble has performed multiple recitals at the University of Northern Iowa. In the Summer of 2017, they recorded their first CD including works by John Steinmetz, Roger Boutry and Michael Daugherty. The CD is currently still in the editing process but has an anticipated release in the spring of 2018.
Smith joined the Northshore Concert Band in 2015 under the baton of Dr. Mallory Thompson and has served in the Principal chair for 2 seasons.
Smith will be ending his tenure with Navy Band Great Lakes in December and moving to Houston Texas to build a private teaching studio and pursue freelance opportunities in the greater Houston area.