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A thirty-year veteran of the instrument, pianist Benjamin Smith is a musician, teacher, composer, conductor, recording artist, director, and performer who enjoys helping others transform desire, focus, and hard work into artistic excellence.

Initially trained by Jaqueline Block, Benjamin moved into the world of Suzuki instruction, where he refined his craft under the mentorship of Haruko Kataoka in Matsumoto, Japan. Smith continued his training with a Donald Schleicher (NYC) workshop and was inspired to study with Wesley Schulz, respectively, in conducting and music ensemble leadership. This combination has shaped his unique approach to piano pedagogy, emphasizing a comprehensive and nurturing educational environment for students of all ages. Benjamin’s students have performed internationally, while several have used their instruction to establish themselves as composers, soloists, directors, and recording artists.

Founder and co-founder of several musical groups, Benjamin established the Tacoma Urban Orchestra in 2006, a diverse gathering of like-minded but fiercely individual musicians creating new music and performing throughout the Puget Sound region in places like the Abbey Ballroom, Wells Fargo Tower, Tollefson Plaza, Urban Grace, and Theater on the Square.

Smith’s ongoing national tour series, including 2023’s Seraphic Echoes and 2024's Liminal Spac3s, brings together improvisational piano, environmental themes, and immersive experiences in nature, empowering audiences to release emotional blocks and cultivate a deeper connection with the natural world. His recording work includes the albums Pacific Natura and Exit Tokyo, among dozens of singles and collaborative recordings.

Committed to student development, Benjamin’s teaching philosophy aligns seamlessly with the ethos and mission of the ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú Community Music program, focusing on growth, community engagement, and the profound relationship between music and the environment.