Megumi Smith

Megumi Smith began her piano studies at age three and has never stopped learning about music. A native of Tokyo, Japan, she moved to Los Angeles in 2006 to pursue a master’s degree in percussion performance at California State University, Northridge (CSUN). While she lived in Japan, she taught group lessons, musical theater, piano, and drum set and led teacher training at the YAMAHA music school. In addition to her degree from CSUN, she holds a Level II certificate in Orff Schulwerk. A dedicated teacher of musicians of all ages, she maintains an active schedule teaching both piano and percussion privately, as well as freelancing as a percussionist in Southern California. She has played at the Hollywood Bowl with Los Tigres del Norte, and on the LA Phil neighborhood concerts series with Gustavo Dudamel. Ms. Smith is on the faculty at Santa Monica College, Loyola Marymount University, Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles at Heart of Los Angeles (YOLA @ HOLA) and Longy School of Music of Bard College (guest faculty) where she teaches beginning percussion classes, percussion ensemble, music fundamental and private lessons.