Bio

Bassist, composer, educator.

Jazz Bass Applied Lecturer · Composer · Educator · Ensemble Director

David Smith is a musician, composer, educator, and multidisciplinary artist with extensive experience in university music instruction, jazz bass, ensemble direction, improvisation, composition, interdisciplinary performance, and private and classroom music education.

His artistic work spans jazz, classical, experimental, pop, rock, world music, film music, and multidisciplinary performance. His current creative practice includes original composition, spontaneous and premeditated compositional methods, and interdisciplinary storytelling and audio work.

Current positions

  • Jazz Bass Applied Lecturer — University of California, Santa Cruz, Music Department (2022–present)
  • Director / Supporting Director, Big Jazz Band — University of California, Santa Cruz (2025–2026)
  • Double Bass Instructor — California State University, Stanislaus, Music Department (2024–2025)
  • Bandleader, Composer & Bassist — Free To Be, Santa Cruz, California (Current)
  • Performing Member — Charmas, Celtic Jazz Ensemble (2025–present)

Both basses — the custom six-string and the double bass.

Curriculum Vitae

Download full CV (PDF)

Academic appointments

  • Jazz Bass Applied Lecturer — UC Santa Cruz, Music Department (Jan 2022–present)
  • Director / Supporting Director, Big Jazz Band — UC Santa Cruz (Sep 2025–June 2026)
  • Double Bass Instructor — CSU Stanislaus, Music Department (2024–2025)
  • Guest Artist & Rhythm Section Clinician — UC Santa Cruz Big Band Africa Brass Sessions with Charles Tolliver (2014–2021)

Education

  • M.A., Music Performance — San José State University, 2011. Classical double bass performance; study in John Cage, Philip Corner, and the American experimental tradition; improvisation and interdisciplinary work.
  • B.A., Music — University of Pittsburgh, 1998. Double major in Music and Cultural Anthropology; field research in Hyderabad, India. Performed with James Moody, Roger Humphries, Winard Harper, and Nathan Davis.

Composition & artistic research

  • 50+ original works — film music, jazz, classical chamber music, pop songs, and dance music, including Manzanita Suite, Remembering Roberta, Easy Answer, In My Dream, I Feel Alive With You, Free To Be, Running Home, Stay, Dancing Emptiness, Starlight Starbright, and Mongolian Landscape.
  • The Thousand Flying Jewels — author, composer & audiobook creator. An original children's story exploring hope and loss, courage, strength, spiritual knowledge, redemption, and prosperity, adapted into an audiobook combining original compositions with recitation and storytelling.

Other teaching

  • Private Music Instructor — ages 5 through adult, electric bass, double bass, cello, guitar, and music theory (2009–present)
  • Multidisciplinary Instructor — Santa Cruz after-school performing-arts programs (2014–2016)
  • Music Instructor — San José Music Academy, Oak Grove Independent Study, Rockin' Kidz, Evergreen Valley High School (2010–2016)