B.Mus (Mt. A)
M.Mus (UofT)
DMA (UofT) in-progress
Jonny Smith is an experienced teacher with a passion for education. He holds both a Master of Music degree (2012) and a Bachelor of Music (2010), and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts degree at the University of Toronto. He also works as a performer, teacher, and clinician in Toronto. Jonny is a creative and encouraging teacher who tailors lessons to the student’s specific needs. He is excited to help students of all ages and abilities to attain their musical goals while developing a deeper understanding and appreciation for all kinds of music.
Jonny has studied many diverse styles of music (Classical, Rock, Jazz, Funk, Latin American music, Brazilian Samba and West African drumming) and is able to teach many different percussion instruments (marimba/xylophone, snare drum, drum-set, timpani, and auxiliary percussion). Jonny has had students accepted to post-secondary music programs at prestigious institutions such as the University of Toronto and the Glenn Gould School.
Jonny has experience teaching music in a variety of capacities. In addition to teaching private lessons, he has given clinics to high school and junior high percussion students in schools around the GTA and at music camps. Jonny also coaches the percussion ensemble and contemporary music ensemble at the University of Toronto.
Jonny is a versatile performer, well-versed in both classical and contemporary music. He has performs regularly with a variety of orchestras, bands, and other ensembles. He is a co-founder and active member of two Toronto-based ensembles: Taktus, a marimba duo, and Spectrum Percussion Quartet. He also is the drummer for the alternative/indie band Barbarosa. He brings the value of real-world experience as well as the love of music to each lesson that he teaches.
Get to know Jonny…Beyond the Bio!
Hobbies: Playing tennis and reading (history and classical literature)
Musical influences: Beverly Johnston, Russell Hartenberger, Michel Deschenes
Favourite food: Tacos
Least favourite food: Scallops
Favourite music: Glenn Gould, Ann Southam, Steve Reich, John Cage
Favourite song: Barrett’s Privateers – it reminds me of where I grew up.
Favourite movie: Memento
Favouirite movie music: Shutter Island Soundtrack
Best quote from your teacher: Subdivide and Conquer
Favourite quote: “The ability to quote is a serviceable substitute for wit.” – W. Somerset Maugham
Favourite book: Barbara Tuchman’s The Guns of August
Best thing about teaching at ABC: The students!
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