Spotlight on Perry Smith, Guitar Teaching Artist

Photo: 

Perry Smith teaches guitar for over 60 students at 2 partner schools.  We caught up with Perry about his experience as a musican and teaching artist.  He has been with ETM-LA since its inception in 2006.

How did you become a teaching artist?
In 2006, Victoria Lanier contacted me about getting involved with Education Through Music-Los Angeles.  I had worked with her in the past through the Henry Mancini Institute outreach program - and she knew that I had good experiences working with young guitar students through my outreach at USC.

What instruments do you play?
My primary instrument is the guitar...electric and acoustic.  Most of the music I play is in the jazz idiom.  I work in the jazz scene of the LA and tour around the world with New West Guitar Group and the Kathleen Grace Band.  Both bands are based here in LA.

What are some of your highlights as a professional musician? Favorite performances?
Definitely playing with Dave Brubeck and with Bobby McFerrin.  But I have been fortunate to perform all over with different groups. The Montreal Jazz Festival and the Aichi World Expo are very memorable to me.

How has being a teaching artist impacted you? (personally and/or professionally)
It has taught me to become a more responsible professional musician.  Having the opportunity to shape young minds is something that I approach with great humility and respect.  I always try to lead by example.  This attitude has transferred over to my career outside of teaching music making me more mature and responsible as a professional.

Why did you become a part of ETM-LA's music education program?
I initially didn't want to because I didn't think I was cut out for it.  But Victoria convinced me that I could do it.  In retrospect I am glad she did.  It has been a great learning experience and helped out the rest of my career and so many different ways.

How has ETM-LA impacted your students?
ETM-LA impacts each of my students differently but the one common thread is that they each develop a basic understanding of the guitar, general music and performing.  This is an experience that each of them will benefit from as they grow up.  The discipline of music reinforces some many good qualities like hard work, overcoming difficult concepts, team work, and creativity, just to name a few.  At the very least these are qualities that the students can apply to careers outside of music.

How have you seen the kids grow?
It's amazing to see my students mature as young people - they grow up before my eyes.  And as guitarists, the kids that I have had for multiple years all have improved their ability on the guitar.  They learn to pick things up faster and are more motivated to work on challenging repertoire.  There are some who seem to really thrive.  I can see them get inspired after a performance when they have blown away their friends and family.        

What's the most important thing you want your students to take away?
Inspiration - and to approach their challenges with a positive CAN DO attitude.

What do you love about music?
The art of making it.  Whether I am improvising or playing something written the art of making good music is the best feeling.  It can inspire an audience and give them joy, but the reward that it gives to the musician is indescribable.  

To learn more about Perry, visit www.perrysmithmusic.com