ALL ABOUT NATHAN SMITH
Nathan Smith is a Seattle based artist whose compositions blur the lines between contemporary, classical and traditional folk music. He strives to blend his love of classical percussion with singer songwriter traditions and incorporate new percussive elements to already established genres.
“I love the honesty and storytelling that comes with the singer/songwriter tradition, and it’s my desire to incorporate that sincerity into my own playing and composing. Music, to me, is about alleviating the player and listener from the struggles of daily life and creating a momentary world within a few minutes of music.”
Nathan Smith was born and raised in the Dallas, TX area surrounded by a dense
jazz and gospel scene. Nathan grew up encompassed in drumline and drum corps. In the past ten years he has been involved in playing and teaching drum corps through out the United States.
Nathan graduated from the University of Missouri, where he studied classical
percussion under Dr. Julia Gaines. In 2013, Nathan settled in Austin, TX, where
he became part of the city’s thriving music scene. During his time in Austin, he developed a passion for singer/songwriter music, worked within many different music styles, and won Austin Unsigned Artist of the Year award, as well as the LA Music Critics
blog’s number one single award and fan favorite awards.
In 2017, Nathan moved to Valencia, Spain to pursue his masters degree in Contemporary Performance from the prestigious Berklee College of Music, studying under Victor Mendoza. After graduating in 2018 he traveled around Europe playing at many renowned and historic jazz clubs and music venues. He currently lives in Seattle playing, teaching and loving the pacific northwest.
PROFESSIONAL CV
Music Credentials
EDUCATION
Berklee College of Music
Masters of Music - Contemporary Performance and Production
2017-2018 Cum Laude
University of Missouri
Bachelors of Music - Percussion Performance
2008-2013
EXPERIENCE
Seattle Cascades Drum and Bugle Corps
Front Ensemble Coordinator 2019 - current
Tahoma Highschool
Front Ensemble Coordinator/Assistant Marching Director 2019- current
Maple Valley Youth Symphony
Percussion Specialist 2019-current
Cedar Park High School
Private Lesson Instructor Front Ensemble Coordinator/ Technician 2014-2017
Guardians Drum and Bugle Corp
Front Ensemble Technician 2015-2017
Jersey Surf Drum and Bugle Corp
Front Ensemble Technician 2014-2015
Hickman High School
Front Ensemble Coordinator 2012-2013
TOOLS
Logic Pro X
Finale Notation Software
Pro Tools
Final Cut Pro
Sibelius
MUSIC LESSONS
Need lessons? Im Available for lessons focusing on...
- Drumset
- Marching percussion
- Mallet Percussion
- Improvisation
- Composition
- Ear training
- Music Theory
- Audio production and recording
- Sound Design
- Arranging
- Education and classroom management
Email me at nathansmithpercussion@gmail.com