Matthew Smith: A Brief Biography

Matthew began studying music at an early age.  His parents enrolled him in private piano lessons at age four, and he continued them until he was fourteen years old.  He then acquired his first guitar and began teaching himself folk and rock music.  Matthew spent hours singing and practicing his favorite songs by Bob Dylan, David Bowie, the Beatles, and other singers and groups he heard.   Under the guidance of James Cass, Matthew learned standard note-reading, jazz chart-reading, and basic fingerstyle technique.

In 1992, Matthew moved from Virginia to study music at the University of South Carolina.  There, he studied the nylon-string (classic) guitar under Christopher Berg.  While finishing his degree in music, Matthew was performing extensively, playing lead guitar in rock bands and classical guitar at weddings and parties.  He also began teaching private music lessons during this time.  In 2000, Matthew opened a private teaching studio in Irmo, South Carolina, which has become very successful.  In 2006, Matthew joined the faculty of Newberry College where he instructs their guitar and bass courses.

Although Matthew is quite busy teaching at both his private studio and Newberry College, he still finds time to perform and record music.  Each season, Matthew plays concerts on classic guitar and spends his free time studying composed guitar music.  He frequently plays with various ensembles at Newberry College, including their eclectic percussion ensemble and their renowned jazz band.  In 2009, Matthew composed and recorded an original all-guitar soundtrack for the independent film "I remember".  In 2010, he started the Smith/Glass guitar duo with fellow USC music alumni Chance Glass. You may also find him performing rock, blues, bluegrass, or jazz with old and new friends around the Columbia area.  Matthew resides with his wife in Lexington, South Carolina. 

For information about guitar lessons, bass lessons, guitar performances, or to book Matthew for a wedding, party, or event, e-mail: Matthew@MSmithGuitarStudio.com