Richard Smith

Richard Smith is a Full Professor and former Chair of
the Studio/Jazz Guitar department at the renowned
Thornton School of Music at the University of Southern
California.  He started the World's first Doctoral
program in contemporary guitar performance, and was
responsible for Quincy Jones recently receiving an
honorary USC degree. He has performed master classes
and concerts at dozens of universities, colleges and
academies around the world, as well as the Los Angeles
Music Center, The National Academy of Recording Arts
and Sciences and several International Association of
Jazz Educators Conferences.

His students are working with artists from Maynard
Fergusen and the Los Angeles Philharmonic, to Oliver
Stone, Mark Anthony, Snoop Dog, Blink 182, Beck, the
Back Street Boys, Josh Grobin, Clay Aiken and Madonna.
 

His 9 solo recordings have established him as a
veteran of the contemporary jazz world - with critical
success on every one of his releases.  His albums have
garnished praise such as "Best Contemporary Jazz
Guitar Album" (Tune Up Magazine), a nomination for
"Record of the Year" (Ad Lib Magazine, Tokyo), and
"Best New Artist" (Radio & Records Magazine).  His
Current solo album for the GRP/A440 Music Group
entitled 'SOuLIDIFIED' spent 17 weeks in the top 10
for radio airplay of American contemporary jazz radio
(Radio and Records Magazine) and 3 weeks at number 1
for satellite and cable airplay (Music Choice).

His up-coming disc 'L.A. CHILLHARMONIC' features Brian
Bromberg, Vinnie Colaiuta, Jeff Lorber, Greg Adams,
Alex Acuna, Eric Marienthal and the Tower of Power
horn section.

Contact: rsmith@usc.edu
Website: richardsmithguitar.com
Bookings: Bruce@centralentertainment.com