Carolyn Smith
Instrument(s): Drums, Guitar, Piano, Trombone, Voice, Ukulele
City: Miami/South Florida
Education:
About Carolyn Smith
Carolyn Smith holds a BM in Composition from California State University East Bay and is a Guild Certified Member through the National Guild of Piano Teachers. She started learning piano at the age of four, studying the Suzuki Classical Piano Method until attending college.
In college, Carolyn was a member of the orchestra and jazz groups. She performed on the mallets, xylophone, percussion, trombone and piano. She also instructed elementary band for five years, teaching a variety of brass and percussion instruments.
For fun, Carolyn likes to read through classical music, continue her studies in Neo-soul and jazz, record music with friends, and compose. Her favorite activity is to participate in jazz, funk and soul groups when she has the opportunity to grow and expand with other musicians. Some bands that she has played with recently include The Bay Area Funk Stars, Sweet Plot, Septacy, and Renee Azteria. Since her move to Miami, she's enjoyed taking her guitar or Ukelele to the beach to play between games of volleyball. She also loves playing duets on the piano with her friends and writing and recording music with her fiancé at their home studio.
Carolyn's method of teaching involves a nurturing approach to encourage students to grow and expand in multiple areas of music. She wants her students confident in their abilities to perform while still keeping it fun and interesting by incorporating a variety of learning styles through games and engaging activities. She also encourages students and families to participate in yearly Guild Exams to motivate students to perform their best. Patient, understanding, and caring, Carolyn finds ways for each student to flourish and love their music lessons while gaining a deep understanding of how to read, perform and compose.
